California Reference Booklet

CALIFORNIA
Traffic Violators School

Workbook
English Workbook Course Rev. 11/14/2018
Copyright © 2012 All Rights Reserved.

Table of Contents
SECTION 1 – Page 3
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
A. COURSE OBJECTIVES
B. COURSE REQUIREMENTS
C. WHAT TO EXPECT
CHAPTER 2: PURPOSE OF TRAFFIC LAWS

A. RECENT CHANGES IN THE LAW AND THE REASONING BEHIND THEM
B. REASONS FOR TRAFFIC LAWS
CHAPTER 3: THE PRICE YOU PAY FOR CARELESS DRIVING

A. DAMAGE TO CARS AND PROPERTY
B. PEOPLE CAN BE INJURED OR KILLED
C. HOW YOUR AUTO INSURANCE IS AFFECTED
D. FINANCIAL, LEGAL AND DMV PROBLEMS
E. QUALITY OF LIFE
F. WHAT CAUSES COLLISIONS?
G. THE DMV POINT SYSTEM
H. DUI CHANGES LIVES FOREVER
CHAPTER 4: RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A PEDESTRIAN

A. CROSS AT INTERSECTIONS AND CROSSWALKS
B. FACE TRAFFIC
C. BLIND PEDESTRIANS
CHAPTER 5: YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES AS A DRIVER
A. KNOWING WHEN NOT TO DRIVE
B. COMMUNICATING WITH OTHER ROAD USERS
C. BEING COURTEOUS
D. FOLLOWING THE RULES OF THE ROAD
E. DEALING WITH ROAD HAZARDS
F. POOR DRIVING CONDITIONS
G. CHILD ENDANGERMENT
H. DEALING WITH OTHER ROAD USERS
CHAPTER 6: DRIVING MANEUVERS

A. BACKING UP
B. CHANGING LANES
C. PASSING
D. HYDROPLANING
E. FISH-TAILING
F. UNEVEN SURFACES
G. DROPOFFS
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Copyright © 2012 All Rights Reserved. Rev. 11/14/2018
CHAPTER 7: DEFENSIVE DRIVING
A. PLANNING TRIPS
B. AVOIDING PROBLEMS ON THE ROAD
CHAPTER 8: COLLISION AVOIDANCE

A. COLLISION STATISTICS
B. COMMON CAUSES OF COLLISIONS
CHAPTER 9: ROAD RAGE AND AGGRESSIVE DRIVING

A. WHAT IS AGGRESSIVE DRIVING?
B. WHAT IS ROAD RAGE?
C. AVOID AN AGGRESSIVE DRIVING SITUATION
D. DEALING WITH AGGRESSIVE DRIVERS
CHAPTER 10: DRIVING DISTRACTIONS
A. WHAT IS DISTRACTED DRIVING?
B. DISTRACTED DRIVING STATISTICS
C. NOT JUST ABOUT CELL PHONES
D. THE FACES OF DISTRACTED DRIVING
CHAPTER 11: THE VEHICLE

A. REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT AND VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
B. MECHANICAL FAILURES
CHAPTER 12: THE ROAD

A. RULES OF THE ROAD
B. HOW TO USE LANES PROPERLY
C. PASSING OTHER VEHICLES
D. RIGHT-OF-WAY
E. ADJUST YOUR DRIVING FOR THE CONDITIONS
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SECTION 1
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
Welcome and thank you for choosing our California DMV licensed Traffic Violator School. We know it's not
fun to get a traffic ticket, but we want your traffic school experience to be painless, educational, and
convenient. Our course uses plain English, gives you lots of examples, and doesn't bog you down with too
many details. We want to change the way you are driving, and we feel the best way to do this is by
changing your motivation to drive better. Rather than just tell you what you should be doing on the road, we
try to give you the internal motivation to do the right thing. We also repeat the same concepts several times
throughout the course, to help you pass the final exam in the end.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Reduce Traffic Collisions
Traffic collisions can be life-altering events that in many cases could have been avoided. In this course we
will cover the different ways in which you can avoid traffic collisions and become a safer driver. What is a
safer way to drive in bad weather? How can you share the road, making it safer for all road users?
Understanding and applying the answers to these and other questions will make the road a safer place for
everyone.
Reduce Traffic Law Violations

Have you forgotten when it is legal to make a u-turn? Do you remember what you need to do at a four-way
stop? We will tackle all of these important points, helping you become a law-abiding driver. If you follow
traffic laws you are less likely to receive a ticket. More importantly, you will also play an important part in
keeping the roads safe, ensuring your own safety and the safety of those around you. The roads can't be
safe if we don't all follow the law!
Responsibility
Driving is part of our daily routine, but this does not mean that it is not a serious task. As soon as you sit
behind the wheel of a motor vehicle, you take on a huge responsibility. Throughout this course, we will
show you what an important part you play in road safety. Once you sit behind that wheel, you are no longer
only responsible for yourself, but for the community of drivers and road users around you. Don't take this
role on lightly!
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
In order to pass the course, you have to read and study all the material. Remember, you have to be
mentally present to study the material. Make sure you are awake and alert when you are studying! If you
get tired, take a break. It's important to remain alert and focused while taking the course. To complete each
section, you must take a short review quiz for that section. Each review quiz consists of 4 questions. In
order to pass a review quiz, you must answer 3 questions (70%) correctly. Once you have completed all
sections of the course, you will take a final exam. The final exam will consist of 25 questions. In order to
pass the final exam and complete the course, you must answer 18 questions (70%) correctly. Once you
pass the review quizzes and the final exam and successfully complete your course, you will receive your
results and confirmation of completion. After receiving your results and confirmation of completion, we ask
that you complete the DMV course evaluation form and return back to us.
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WHAT TO EXPECT
Our course is separated into four (4) short sections. You can study the material at your own pace.
Test Yourself Questions

Throughout the course you will see Test Yourself Questions. These questions are there to help prepare
you for the exam. Take a few minutes to find the answers for these questions and note them. They will help
you pass the review quizzes and the final exam.
The Review Quizzes

After each section you must complete a short 4-question review quiz. You must answer 3 questions (70%)
correctly on each quiz, in order to pass. If you don't score 70%, you will be required to retake the quiz until
you pass. Pay attention to the quizzes; they will help you pass the final exam.
Personal Validation Questions

The California DMV requires that we verify your identity while taking this course. The fifth question of each
Review Quiz is a Personal Validation Question. You must answer the Personal Validation Question
correctly on each section in order to pass that section. If you don't answer the Personal Validation
Question correctly you will be required to retake the question until you pass.
The Final Exam

At the end of the course you will have a 25-question final exam. You must answer 18 questions (70%)
correctly in order to pass the course and get your certificate of completion. You will have 2 attempts to pass
the final exam. If you don’t pass on the 1st attempt, per §345.30 (d)(1)(E) of the California Code of
Regulations, Article 4.7, you will have one week to take the final exam a second time. If you don’t
pass after the 2nd attempt, you can retake the course at no additional cost!
Once you complete the review quizzes, the personal validation questions and the final exam, return the
answer sheet to us for grading. We will first grade the personal validation questions. If you do not answer
the personal validation questions correctly, we will return the answer sheet in order for you to retake the
questions and resubmit the answer sheet. Once you successfully answer and pass all the personal
validation questions we will then grade the review quizzes. If you receive less than 70% on any of the
quizzes we will return the answer sheet to you and specify the page number of the workbook where you
can find the correct answer. You will need to review that portion of the course and resubmit the answer
sheet. Your final exam will not be graded until you pass all review quizzes.
After you have passed all four review quizzes we will grade your final exam. If you receive less than 70%
on the final exam, we will return the answer sheet to you and specify the correct answer and the page
number of the workbook where the question is discussed. At the same time we will send you a new final
exam and answer sheet. You will have one week to return the new final exam answer sheet for grading. If
you receive less than 70% on the 2nd final exam, we will return the answer sheet to you and specify the
correct answer and the page number of the workbook where the question is discussed. You may either
chose to take our course again from the beginning at no additional cost or choose a different school from
the TVS list if your court due date allows.
WARNING
By registering for this program you certify under penalty of perjury that you will be studying the course
material and taking the final exam without any outside help. We retain the right to monitor your participation
and cancel your enrollment contract if we believe someone other than the enrolled student has been
participating in the course. You will not be eligible for a refund.
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The information and graphics contained in the pages of this workbook are copyright protected. It is unlawful
to copy or share any part of this workbook.
Thank you again for choosing our course. If you have any questions, please call our customer
service department. Good luck!
California Department of Motor Vehicles Legal Notice and Disclaimer
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) recognizes the right of private enterprises to advertise
and distribute information related to their business functions. DMV promotes the free exchange of
information, ideas, and opinions, except when the content may invade personal privacy, violate property
rights, constitute libel, or be a violation of any applicable federal, state, or local laws.
While this lesson plan content may have been approved by DMV, the distribution, advertising, and other
information provided by this vendor is not guaranteed by DMV, nor does it represent the views of the
department.
You are advised that DMV, unless statutorily required, has no continuing obligation to provide information
to an approved course web site or printed publication.
DMV assumes no responsibility for erroneous, incomplete, or out-of-date information. The user should
contact the provider and/or DMV to ensure that the information herein is current and accurate. All
warranties of any kind, including, but not limited to, the IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY,
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, freedom from contamination by computer viruses, and non-
infringement of proprietary rights ARE DISCLAIMED.
You are advised that DMV is not responsible for the content of any off-site web pages referenced from or to
an approved course web site or home study publication. In addition, DMV and the State of California are
not responsible for the content of files that are uploaded for inclusion.
The user should not rely on the presentation of statutes or regulations referenced in an approved web site
or printed publication, but should consult the actual text of the law. Legal requirements frequently change
and the user may wish to seek the advice of counsel.
If you find any errors, omissions, or have a complaint regarding the educational content, we encourage you
to report them to the education provider. In the event the issue is not resolved to your satisfaction you may
call the department at (916) 229-3154.
This course is not intended as training from a licensed driving school. It does not meet the standards,
training, or requirements in preparation for being issued a driver license. This course has been reviewed
and approved to meet the requirements for the traffic violator school program. Completion documentation
will not be issued to those not meeting the traffic violator school program criteria.
Pursuant to Vehicle Code section 1808.7, the following situations are not eligible for masking a traffic
safety violation on a California driver record:
(1) The driver has already attended a traffic violator course within 18 months of the conviction. (2) The
driver holds a commercial license as defined in Vehicle Code section 15210. (3) The driver holds a
commercial driver license from out of state. (4) The violation occurred in a commercial motor vehicle as
defined in Vehicle Code section 15210. (5) The violator has not paid a deposit of fees or bail, and has not
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pleaded guilty, no contest, or been convicted by the court of jurisdiction. (6) The conviction would result in a
violation point count of more than one point pursuant to Vehicle Code section 12810. A list of Vehicle Code
two point violations may be found on the Department of Motor Vehicles web site, www.dmv.ca.gov.
This site will require your California driver license or California identification number, or, if you do not have
a California driver license or California identification card, your birthdate, the court reference number
(docket, ticket or citation number) and the court code. These are requirements for receiving a completion
receipt and to have the information sent to the court of jurisdiction should you successfully pass this
course. If you are unable to provide the required information, your participation shall not be credited toward
satisfying the requirement.
The office business hours shall be listed. An instructor shall be available during business hours to answer
questions. An instructor shall respond to a call received after business hours on the next business day.
Chapter 2: Purpose of Traffic Laws
RECENT CHANGES IN THE LAW AND THE REASONING BEHIND THEM

Every year on January 1, a new set of traffic laws are put into effect. They often reflect technological
changes or changes in driver habits. It's important to be aware of these annual changes and how they will
affect your driving habits. Here are some of the current and upcoming law changes.
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2018

Marijuana Use in Vehicles
It is illegal to smoke or ingest marijuana or any marijuana product while driving a motor vehicle upon a
highway or while riding as a passenger in a motor vehicle being driven upon a highway.
Motorcycle Training Courses

Applicants 21 years old or older will now have more motorcycle training program options.
Buses and Seatbelts

Effective July 1, 2018, it is required that a passenger in a bus equipped with seat belts to be properly
restrained by a safety belt, except as specified. Parents, legal guardians, or chartering parties are
prohibited from transporting on a bus, or permitting to be transported on a bus, a child who is at least 8
years old but under 16 years old, unless they are properly restrained by a safety belt.
DMV
Effective April 2018, DMV will begin offering in online driver license and identification application process.
Applicants will have the opportunity to begin their electronic application before visiting the DMV. Be sure to
bring your application confirmation with you to your office visit.
Changes to Technology
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As technology changes the law must address these technological developments. As we incorporate more
and more gadgets and gizmos into our driving habits, the laws have to change accordingly.
Dashboard
The dashboard of a car has changed drastically over the past years. Whereas it once housed the
speedometer, odometer and a few other necessities, it's now a complex system with navigation systems,
built in phones and more. Cell phones, smart phones and navigation systems are everywhere, even inside
cars!
Don't Try to Multitask

All these tools can be helpful. If you're driving on an unfamiliar road, you can use your navigation system to
guide you. If your car breaks down, you no longer have to search for a call box to call the towing company
or the police. You have your cell phone and access to all the resources it offers. Unfortunately, many
drivers think they can multitask while driving. Distracted driving is very dangerous and is one of the most
common causes of collisions.
New Laws and Technology

For this reason, state legislators are passing laws to address the problems caused by people using these
gadgets while they drive. Laws regarding cell phone use and texting for example are intended to ensure
that the driver is focused on the road. These laws are passed for your own safety and for the safety of
other road users. Don't ignore them!
Changes to Driving Techniques

Technological advancements are not restricted to dashboards, cell phones, and navigation systems.
Technology has also advanced car performance and safety. Cars drive differently than they used to and
their drivers have to adjust accordingly. Cars now come equipped with airbags, ABS (anti-lock braking
system) brakes, front wheel and rear wheel driver, electronic traction control system and computerized
engine components.
Since cars have changed drastically over the past ten years, driving techniques have changed as well.
Drivers have had to adapt to these new technologies. The techniques our parents learned to drive are very
different from the ones we would learn today. Let's look at a couple of examples that will illustrate this point.
Braking Systems
When cars were equipped with non-ABS brakes, drivers were instructed to pump the brakes in order to
prevent the brakes from locking. Pumping non-ABS brakes made them more effective and reduced the
braking distance (the distance required to bring the car to a stop). But with the standardization of ABS
brakes in all newer cars, people are now taught to keep their foot on the brake pedal as hard as they can
because the ABS does the pumping for them.
Seat Belt Pretensioners

The modern car is also equipped with extensive safety measures that protect the driver and its passengers
in the case of a collision. Seat belts have been found in cars for over fifty years. These seat belts however
looked like the ones we have in airplanes today. It was assumed that drivers and passengers would adjust
the belt so that it fit snuggly. Many people however were careless when it came to this. Even today, when
you are on a plane, look around you. How many have actually tightly fastened their seat belts? Oftentimes
they are loosely hanging around their waists or even hips! If the plane experiences turbulence or worse, the
passenger with the loose seat belt will get tossed around inevitably. This is an even more dangerous
prospect in a car, which unlike a plane, we use to travel on a daily basis. Car companies began to consider
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alternatives. In the 1980s they introduced seat belt pretensioners. Pretensioners automatically tighten the
belt to prevent the individual from jerking forward in a collision or at a sudden stop. You no longer have to
pull the adjustable strap to fit your body. This means that you are securely fastened, lowering your chances
of moving around in a crash.
TEST YOURSELF
1. As vehicle technologies advance ______?
2. What is a seat belt pretensioner?
REASONS FOR TRAFFIC LAWS

John, Pablo and Maria carpool to work together every morning. The traffic today is especially bad and
Pablo is getting frustrated. He has an important presentation at work today and wanted to get to the office a
few minutes early to prepare. At this rate, he might even be late for the presentation. “Go faster so you can
make the pass the red light!” “Pass the car in front of you, he is going too slowly!” “Look, there’s the center
lane, get in there so you can zip into the left turn only lane before everybody else!” says Pablo.
But John doesn’t listen because he knows better. Maria says, “Pablo, I know you are in a hurry, but is it
really worth it to break all those rules to save a few minutes? There are good reasons for traffic laws – By
telling drivers what they can and can’t do, other drivers know what to expect. If John did what you were
asking him to, other drivers who weren’t expecting us to pass the red light, or cut them off to the left turn
lane, might not be able to stop in time to avoid hitting us. Even if we were in a smallest fender bender, don’t
you think that would make you late for work? What if it were a bigger crash?”
“You’re right, Maria, I wasn’t thinking clearly. But at least we could have sped up and passed a few cars on
our way to the green light ahead.”
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“So you wanted us to weave in and out of traffic?” says Maria. “All that would do is slow traffic down. Sure
we might save a minute or two ourselves, but it’s exactly that kind of driving that creates problems on the
road for everyone. I don’t see the point of doing that either.”
Some traffic laws seem to be a hassle and often an expensive hassle. You might ask yourself, why did
someone think this was necessary? Why do we have so many traffic laws? If you are playing a board game
or a sport, you always have a set of rules that you must follow. Without them, everyone would do as they
pleased. How would you know how to play? How would you know who won or who lost? People could just
play without taking turns. Eventually, you would have to stop the game because no one would know what
they were doing or why they were doing it. The same applies for laws about driving. Traffic laws reduce
chaos, keep traffic moving and give all road users a common understanding of how the road
should be used. Most importantly, though, their primary purpose is to keep everyone safe.
Common Understanding
In the case of driving however, rules and laws are even more essential. Driving is not just a game where
your only options are winning or losing. Every time you step into a vehicle, hop on a bicycle or go for walk,
you could risk your life. Laws allow drivers to know what to do and what to expect of other drivers. They
allow drivers to anticipate the actions of other drivers and limit the number of surprises on the road.
Keeping Order and Movement in Traffic

Traffic laws also ensure that the road remains orderly. Imagine the chaos if everyone who used the road
did anything they wanted? If we didn't have traffic laws, what would stop someone from driving in oncoming
traffic or making a right turn from the left lane? Traffic would come to a stop and there would be chaos! It's
because of laws that all the road users know when to stop and when to go, when and where to turn from
and more. These laws help traffic move efficiently.
Safety
Without order we would be driving in chaos. And that can only mean one thing: danger. Traffic laws ensure
the safety of everyone who uses the road. What if people drove through intersections at 60 mph? The lives
of other drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists would be endangered. Rules help make the road a
safer place.
Sometimes it feels like there are too many laws, restricting what we do in the car. Occasionally, they may
be an inconvenience to follow these laws. You might think to yourself, "They passed another law? Another
reason I can get a ticket?" Before you even consider breaking the law however, think about why that law
was passed. It's not to inconvenience you or to annoy you; rather these laws are here to protect us all.
Driving is a wonderful privilege but can be very hazardous. These laws minimize the risks and dangers of
the road. Protect yourself and other road users. Follow the rules of the road!
TEST YOURSELF
1. Why do traffic laws exist?
2. The reason we have traffic laws is ______.
Chapter 3: The Price You Pay for Careless Driving

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DAMAGE TO CARS AND PROPERTY
Minor Damage to Your Car

A minor collision, even a small dent or scrape, can be a hassle and force you to put your life on hold. If you
decide to get your car repaired, you have to take pictures of the damage, make time-consuming phone
calls to insurance companies and research repair shops. Then when the time comes to leave your car at
the repair shop for several days, you have to figure out how you will get around. Will you rent a car or rely
on friends and family? If you have children, you will have to remove that tricky car seat and install it in
another car and then put it back into yours. In other words, this will just add to your long list of errands that
are already taking away from your free time.
Major Damage to Your Car

Major car damage has far worse consequences with an out-of-pocket cost that can make it difficult or
impossible to get your car repaired. If the repair is hugely expensive you will have a limited number of
options: getting into debt to pay for the repairs or if it's possible, to hold off on the repairs until you can pay
for them. If the damage is more than cosmetic, however, that won't be an option. If you've damaged
someone else's property, you'll have to pay for that too. Can you afford to pay for all of this? Isn't it better to
drive in a way that avoids these problems?
PEOPLE CAN BE INJURED OR KILLED

Minor Injuries
Even a small injury can take weeks to heal and could be potentially painful. Minor injuries will still mean
scheduling numerous and costly doctor's visits and taking medications that might interfere with your daily
life.
Major Injuries
Minor injuries are often a nuisance; but major injuries can be devastating, either for a short time or forever.
A broken bone, such as a broken leg, could leave you home bound for up to six weeks. These are six
weeks that you will have to take off work, possibly without pay. Also, you will be unable to function as you
normally would, having to inconvenience yourself and those around you. Those six weeks will be filled with
hospital and doctor's visits, x-rays, and casts that will be re-fitted accordingly.
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A broken bone will eventually heal, but more severe injuries are also possible. Back injuries are some of
the most common types of injuries that happen after car collisions. Back problems can stay with you for the
rest of your life, forcing you to change your lifestyle. If you are an active person and enjoy running, hiking,
or skiing, a back injury can jeopardize your ability to do what you love. A spinal cord injury can leave you
paralyzed forever.
Death
Collisions can lead to the death of a loved one, a stranger or yourself. The knowledge that you were
responsible for killing another human being, can leave you emotionally scarred for life. Nightmares, anxiety
and depression can take over your ability to function. Being killed and leaving behind your grieving family
and friends to deal with the loss isn't much better. Therefore, it is in your interest and in the interest of those
around you to be a careful driver.
HOW YOUR AUTO INSURANCE IS AFFECTED
How Insurance Works

In the state of California, it is mandatory to have auto insurance. There are, however, different kinds of
coverage that vary in the types of damage and personal injury they cover and how much they cost. The
most basic (and required by law) is called minimum liability coverage. This type of insurance pays for the
damages done to another person's vehicle or body and only for the amount of the coverage. In other
words, if you are at fault for a crash and only have a $15,000 liability policy, your insurance will only pay for
$15,000 of the damages done to the other person and their car. Anything more than the $15,000 is your
responsibility. Your own medical expenses and car repairs are your own responsibility too.
In many cases, even a small at-fault crash will cost you a lot of money. Most insurance policies have a
deductible that you have to pay before the insurance kicks in. Let's say you're in a crash and it's going to
cost $7,500 to get the other driver's car fixed and your deductible is $1,000. This means you have to pay
$1,000 out of your own pocket before the insurance company pays the rest of the $6,500 to get the car
completely fixed. And this doesn't even count your own expenses. Even with car insurance, there's good
financial incentive to avoid any type of collision.
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Collisions Are Expensive
What happens to your insurance rate if you do get into a collision? If you are at-fault for a minor collision
(which will stay on your record for three years), the insurance company, trying to recover the costs from the
collision pay out, will charge you a higher premium until it is off your record. Even worse, if you decided to
get the cheapest option (the insurance with minimum coverage) and are in a major crash, there will be
some serious out-of-pocket expenses. For example, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) the
estimated cost for a victim who was severely injured in an auto collision is $247,000. The minimum
insurance coverage of $15,000 doesn't even cover 10% of that. Even minor injuries cost $26,000. How will
you pay for the rest?
Minimum insurance won't cover your own medical expenses or car repairs either - only the other driver's
and only for the specific dollar amounts. This means you are responsible for and will have to pay for any
damages that are more than the minimum amount. Aren't there better ways to spend your money?
TEST YOURSELF
1. What is the average cost for a severe injury in a collision?
2. How does minimum insurance work?
FINANCIAL, LEGAL AND DMV PROBLEMS

Financial Impact
As we've just seen, even if you have the minimum insurance required by the DMV, a collision can cost you
a small fortune. If you only have minimum coverage, you'll have to pay for the damage to your own car, and
for the medical attention that you and your passengers require. And don't forget your deductible. The
typical $1000 deductible is the amount you have to pay out of your own pocket before your insurance even
goes into effect to pay the rest. Finally, expect to pay higher insurance premiums for at least 3 years.
Legal Action
In addition to your own costs, if the collision was your fault, you will probably have to pay the other driver's
costs too. Even if you have insurance, the other driver can sue you for negligence and win. If you rear-end
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someone, for example, you will be considered responsible for the collision and might get sued by the driver
or his insurance company. If someone dies in the collision, the victim's family could go after you for
wrongful death. If they do seek out legal action, then you will have to get a lawyer to defend yourself. If the
property damage is more than the insurance coverage (after all, there's only so much your insurance will
pay for), you could lose your house, car, and other assets.
DMV Action
Finally, you have to think about how this will affect your driving record and even your privilege to drive. The
California DMV operates on a demerit point system to track careless and dangerous drivers. Every at-fault
collision and traffic violation will add points to your record. For example, a minor at-fault collision will cost
you one point and stays on your driving record for three years. More serious violations such as reckless
driving and speeding over 100 mph have a penalty of two points and stay on your record for seven years. A
DUI will stay on your record for a full 10 years! Get four or more points in 12 months (six points in 24
months or eight points in 36 months) and your license can be suspended or revoked. If you are eligible to
get your license reinstated, you'll have to wait at least 30 days. You will then have to pay hundreds of
dollars in fees and fines.
Accident Reportability Threshold (VC 1656.2, 1808, 1808.1, 12517.1, 13369, 13558, 16000, 16000.1,
16020.1, 16020.2, 16075, 16251, 16430, & 16434)
A driver of a motor vehicle involved in a collision with property damages greater than $1,000 must submit a
Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California (SR 1) to DMV. DMV is authorized to impose sanctions
following an uninsured reportable collision.
TEST YOURSELF
1. Why should you be afraid of legal problems after a collision that was your fault even if you have
insurance?
QUALITY OF LIFE
Careless driving also impacts your quality of life. Much of your free time is devoted to dealing with the
aftermath of a collision. The out-of-pocket costs for repairs, lawyers' fees, and higher insurance premiums
mean less money to spend on yourself and your favorite activities. If you are injured because of a collision,
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acute or chronic pain could alter your mood and prevent you from having an active lifestyle. Finally, if you
have a major collision and seriously injure or kill someone else, you could carry around guilt and pain for
the rest of your life. Is it worth it?
WHAT CAUSES COLLISIONS?

There are a number of factors that can increase your chances of being in a collision. In this section, we will
look at why drivers have car crashes and what we can do to avoid them. The US Department of
Transportation has listed the following as some of the most likely contributors to collisions.
Alcohol and Drugs

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the most common factors that lead to collisions,
and one that can be easily avoided. When you are driving, you need to use your eyes, hands, and feet to
control the vehicle, but it is the brain that controls all these parts of the body. When you use drugs or
alcohol, your brain has a hard time telling your body what to do. You can't make quick and safe decisions,
which puts you and those around you at risk.
Distracted Driving
Inattention is another factor that can lead to minor and serious collisions. Remember, in order to drive
safely, you need to use a number of senses and skills, including sight, judgment, and proper reaction time.
If you are distracted while you are driving by fiddling with the gadgets and gizmos on the dashboard,
eating, applying makeup, or doing any number of things that drivers are known to do, you are not giving
your full attention to the most important task ahead of you - driving.
Sleepy Driver
A sleepy driver is as dangerous as a drunk driver. Just like someone who is driving while using drugs or
alcohol, a sleepy driver has a slow reaction time, difficulty processing what he sees and hears and making
safe decisions. Some of the most common signs of a sleepy driver include constant yawning, trouble
keeping your head up and your eyes focused, and as a result, swerving into other lanes. The only solution
for drowsiness is to pull over into a well-lit, safe place and take a nap.
If you are feeling any of these symptoms, coffee or another caffeinated drink may improve your alertness
temporarily. This is a short term improvement, however, not solution. It doesn't replace a good night's
sleep.
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Speeding
Even if you are a sober, alert, and focused driver, if you are speeding your chances of getting into a
collision dramatically increase. In fact, speeding is one of the top causes of collisions. In 2010, the
California Highway Patrol reported that speeding was the primary factor in 29% of fatal and injury
collisions. The higher the speed the less likely the driver can respond in time to any obstacles or other
drivers. If you do get into a collision and you or the other party is speeding, you also increase your chances
of getting seriously injured and damaging your car. The faster you are driving, the greater the force and
intensity with which you will hit the other car, the pole, the tree, or whatever it is that you collide with.
Move Over/Slow Down (VC 21809, 25253)

The new law makes two previous laws indefinite. VC Section 21809 requires that if you are driving on a
freeway and approach in a lane immediately adjacent to a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing
emergency lights or a tow truck with flashing warning lights, or a marked Department of Transportation
vehicle with flashing warning lights you must change your lane to give them space or slow down. VC 25253
requires tow trucks that are used to tow disabled vehicles to be equipped with flashing amber warning
lights. If a tow truck is providing service to a vehicle, then its amber lights can be flashing. The law however
prohibits tow trucks from flashing these lights on a freeway unless there is an unusual traffic hazard or an
extremely hazardous situation.
TEST YOURSELF
1. What does the US Department of Transportation list as the most likely cause of collisions?
THE DMV POINT SYSTEM

The California DMV, Highway Patrol and traffic court system take driving safety very seriously. Driving is a
privilege, not a right. The DMV point system, called NOTS, was designed to keep track of drivers' offenses
so they can suspend or revoke a license if needed. If you can't follow the rules of driving safely, you will
lose your privilege to drive.
Negligent Operator Treatment System

The Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) is a program the DMV uses to keep track of bad
drivers. The system adds points to the driver's record for convictions involving a moving vehicle violation
(traffic tickets) and at-fault collisions. These points stay on your record for 36 months. There are serious
consequences for drivers who have too many points.
Conviction for most traffic citations will add one point to your record. The exceptions, which count for two
points, are:
 Reckless driving
 Leaving the scene of a collision
 Driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs
 Driving the wrong way on a freeway
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 Speeding in excess of 100 mph
 Participating in a motor vehicle speed contest on a highway
 Vehicular manslaughter or causing injury or death while evading police
 Using a motor vehicle while committing a crime
 Transporting explosives illegally
If the driver causes a crash while committing a traffic violation, one extra point is added to his record in
addition to the violation points. That means a driver who was in a collision because he was driving
recklessly will get a total of three (3) points on his record. A driver is a negligent operator if he/she
accumulates:
 Four (4) points in one year.

 Six (6) points in two years.
 Eight (8) points over three years.
The driver can be put on probation for one year (including a six month suspension) or lose their license. At
the end of the suspension or revocation period, drivers need to re-apply for a license to drive.
DUI CHANGES LIVES FOREVER

One night of drinking and driving can change your life and the lives of others forever.
A DUI is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine and/or jail time. If anyone is injured from a collision while a
driver is under the influence, the charge becomes a felony. A felony is punishable by a heavy fine, an
automatic jail term, an extended probationary period, and a permanent criminal record as a convicted felon.
Your Emotional Health

Getting a DUI can be a traumatic event. If you end up in jail for your DUI, it can be embarrassing to explain
this to friends and family. The emotional impact will be much more devastating if your drunk-driving has
injured or killed someone else.
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DUI Is Expensive
DUIs are also very expensive offenses. The trial and attorney fees could range between $5,000 to $8,000
and more. Fines and penalties on average cost about $4,000. And of course, your insurance rates will
skyrocket. Over the course of ten years you could be paying an extra $20,000 to $30,000 for car insurance.
Over a ten-year period, all of these expenses could add up to over $40,000!
Keep in mind that this is only for the DUI itself. This doesn't include any of the costs associated with
causing a crash while under the influence, such as hospital expenses. The victim or his family could also
file a lawsuit against you and if they win, you can lose everything you have.
DUI Will Take Away Your Freedom

Apart from the financial burden, a DUI also has other repercussions. You will face a mandatory jail time of
48 hours to six months and your license can be suspended for up to six months. If the vehicle is registered
in the driver's name, it may be impounded for up to 30 days. You may also be required to have an ignition
interlock device for up to three years which will prevent the operation of the vehicle when alcohol is
detected on the driver's breath.
The Victims and their Families

Sometimes the drunk driver escapes a crash unharmed, but leaves behind a victim who is severely injured
or killed. The victim's family must live with this for the rest of their lives.
Society
Drunk drivers are not only a burden on themselves and their victims, but also on society as a whole. It
costs local and state authorities millions of dollars a year to pay for the paramedics, police, and fire
department that are responding to those drunk driving crashes. That's why we have tax increases and
service cutbacks every year.
Chemical Testing for DUI (VC 23612)

Prior to January 1, 2013, persons lawfully arrested for a DUI had the option of a blood, breath, or urine
chemical test. Under current legislation, however, the individual only has the option of a breath or blood
test unless there is special situation. A urine test may be used if:
 Both blood and breath tests are unavailable.

 The individual is a hemophiliac.
 The individual is taking anticoagulant medication.
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Driving Under the Influence (VC 13352, 13352.5, 23109, 23550, 23550.5, 23552,
23566, 23568)
If you have been convicted of a DUI, you are not allowed to drive with a blood alcohol level (BAC) of .01
percent or greater while on probation for the DUI. If you are pulled over and asked to submit a to a
Preliminary Alcohol Screening (PAS) test (a breathalyzer test) you have to accept. If you refuse or if you
agree and have a BAC of .01 or greater, a citation will be issued, your license will be taken, driving
privileges will be suspended and your car will be impounded.
If you have been convicted of two misdemeanor DUIs, your license will be suspended for 90 days. After
this point, you can obtain a restricted driver’s license. Regardless of whether it’s a second or third
conviction, you must enroll in a DUI program and must install and maintain an IID in your vehicle.
If you are convicted of alcohol-related reckless driving and you have had a prior conviction for alcohol-
related reckless driving or DUI within the past ten years, the court will order you to participate in a licensed
DUI program for at least nine months. If you do not enroll in, participate in, or complete a licensed DUI
program, the court has to revoke your probation.
If you are arrested with a BAC of .15 percent or greater, the court can consider installing an IID for a first-
time offender convicted of an alcohol-related DUI.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Repeat Offenders (VC 23597)

Under this law, if you have been convicted of three or more DUIs, the court could revoke your license for
ten years. However, you will have the opportunity to apply for a reinstatement of your license after five
years, if you have installed an Ignition Interlock Device in your car.
Ignition Interlock Devices (IID) Pilot Program

A pilot program will be in effect from July 1, 2010 to January 1, 2019. This pilot program has been
extended from its original end date of December 31, 2015 and will be tested, in the counties of Alameda,
Los Angeles, Sacramento and Tulare. If you have been convicted of a DUI and want to have your license
reissued, you have to install an IID in any vehicle you operate. The new law also establishes the
requirements for installation. The length of time the IID will be installed will depend on the number of DUIs
you have and whether they were misdemeanors or felonies. (VC 23702)
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TEST YOURSELF
1. How much does a DUI cost over ten years?
2. What is the purpose of the DMV point system?
Chapter 4: Rights and Responsibilities of a Pedestrian

We all know that we have to be careful when we drive. Even if you're walking however you have to be
cautious. The only way to make sure that both the driver and the pedestrian are safe is to know the rights
and responsibilities of pedestrians.
What should and shouldn't a pedestrian do? Let's see what Maria, a typical suburban California mom, does
when she is a pedestrian. Maria has decided to take a day off from driving. Instead of driving to the
grocery store like she usually does, she's going to walk there. What are some of the things that Maria has
to remember?
CROSS AT INTERSECTIONS AND CROSSWALKS

First of all, Maria knows that when she crosses the street she has to cross at intersections and inside
crosswalks. Maria knows that the grocery store is in the middle of the block and there is no crosswalk
there. It would be easier to run across the street, directly across the grocery store. But she also knows that
it would be illegal and dangerous. So instead, she walks to the end of the block, where there is a
crosswalk.
Once she reaches the crosswalk, she makes sure to look at the signal light. Even though the light is green,
she sees the red hand which tells her not to cross. After the light has turned green she can safely cross,
but only after looking left, right, and left before crossing. She also makes eye contact with the drivers, so
that she knows that they have seen her.
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FACE TRAFFIC
Maria lives in a neighborhood where there are sidewalks, so it's very clear as to where she should be
walking. What do you do if there is no sidewalk? By law, if you are walking in an area outside of a
business or residential district and there are no sidewalks, you are required to walk facing traffic on the left
hand side of the road. The only exception to this law is if you have no safe place to cross the street to get
to the left side then you may walk on the right side of the road with traffic. For safety reasons anytime
there are no sidewalks it is best to walk in the direction facing traffic even if you are within a business or
residential district. It's only by facing the cars that you can ensure that drivers see you. This is also the
best way to see a problem, such as a possible collision, before it happens. Also, stay as far to the side of
the road as possible so that you are away from traffic. By following these two rules, you will have more time
to avoid a dangerous and possibly deadly situation.
BLIND PEDESTRIANS
The final point drivers and pedestrians should remember is that blind or partially blind pedestrians always
have the right-of-way. These people can be identified by their white canes or seeing eye dogs. They are
the most vulnerable of all road users so it is up to the drivers to ensure that they are not endangered.
Drivers are always responsible for these pedestrians.
Blind pedestrians navigate the streets differently and use different ways of communicating. For example
they rely on the sound of your vehicle to understand if a car is near, or if they should begin to cross. So
drivers should be sure to stop within 5 feet of the crosswalk to give the pedestrian ample opportunity to
hear the car. Drivers of electric or hybrid cars should be extra cautious around blind pedestrians, because
with a car so quiet it may be impossible for the pedestrian to hear you approaching. Also, when a blind
person pulls in his or her cane and steps away from the intersection, this gesture usually means that they
will not be crossing at this time and for the driver to go.
It is up to the driver to ensure that these pedestrians are safe. If there is any collision or injury to an
impaired pedestrian it is always the driver's fault.
Remember, we are all using the road together, so we should make sure it's safe for everyone. Pedestrians
should know that they should cross at crosswalks and follow light signals. Drivers should always be aware
of pedestrians, scan the road, and make sure to let pedestrians cross.
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TEST YOURSELF
1. A pedestrian with a white cane ______.
2. For safety reasons anytime there are no sidewalks it is best to ______.
3. What can a pedestrian do if there is no sidewalk?
4. Pedestrians with white canes and seeing eye dogs should always ______.
END OF SECTION 1
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SECTION 2
Chapter 5: Your Responsibilities as a Driver

Every time you get behind the wheel of a car, you are taking on a huge responsibility. You should always
remember that a car is a dangerous weapon. It is one ton of glass, metal, and plastic that can be flying
down a road. If anything gets in its way, it could destroy life and property. Knowing that you have this
powerful and potentially destructive weapon in your hands, you should control it with care and respect.
Driving is a privilege as well as a responsibility. Every time you place your key in that ignition and start the
car, you are responsible for the safety of everyone using the road.
KNOWING WHEN NOT TO DRIVE

This is a huge responsibility! And it’s left up to you to know when you can and can’t drive. Driving involves
a variety of skills and senses. Before you get behind the wheel, you should be sure that you are awake,
alert, and undistracted. Many factors can alter your mental state and your ability to focus and react quickly.
The obvious factors, alcohol and drugs, are not the only things you should be concerned about. You might
be surprised, but even commonplace factors like exhaustion and stress can affect your ability to drive.
Before you turn on the car and press the gas, ask yourself, “Do I feel awake and alert? Would I be worried
if I was sharing the road with a loved one?”
Personal Reasons
Tired or Drowsy
Much like being drunk or being an overwhelmed computer, when you are drowsy, you have a slower
reaction time and it takes you longer to process information. Not only are you slower to respond to changes
in your environment, but you are also likely to have blurry vision. In fact, research has proven that
sleepiness also impairs driving by increasing the driver's carelessness.
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If you are driving tired it can feel like you're back in high school sitting in one of your most boring classes.
You want to stay awake and you want to pay attention, but sometimes it feels impossible! Inevitably, your
head starts bobbing back and forth, your eyes have a hard time staying open, and the next thing you know,
your eyes are shut and your teacher is yelling at you to wake up. It might be funny to think back on those
moments. But there is nothing funny about feeling drowsy while sitting behind the wheel.
Everyone, at one point or another, feels tired and drowsy. Certain groups of people, however, have
lifestyles or jobs that are more likely to make them drowsy while they drive. These people are more likely to
fall asleep while driving and these are the people that need to be the most cautious. This group includes:
 Young people: 18-26 year olds, especially young men, are more likely to be sleep deprived
because of a combination of factors that include late night socializing, school, jobs, and
extracurricular activities.
 Shift workers: Shift workers refers to those groups of people who work night shifts or late night
shifts, work irregular hours, or simply work long hours.
 Truck drivers: Truck drivers drive long distances, usually with a minimum daily mile requirement.
This forces drivers to drive at night, when there is less traffic, and to continue driving with little or no
breaks. If you've driven long distances, you know how difficult it can be. Even if you don't feel
drowsy at first, a couple of hours of driving can make you feel exhausted and sleepy.
(Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
What can you do?

 Sleep and take naps: The best you can do to avoid driving drowsy is to get adequate sleep every
night. While everyone requires a different amount of sleep, 7-8 hours a night is average. Even a few
hours of lost sleep can affect your driving! If you don't manage to get a full night's rest, try taking a
break for a short nap.
 Watch out for the warning signs: If you're driving and find yourself constantly yawning, you feel
your eyes closing or your vision blurring, these are all your body's way of telling you that you're
tired. If you are feeling any of these symptoms of drowsiness, you shouldn't continue driving!
 Caffeine: If you are feeling any of these symptoms one thing you can do is pull over and drink
some coffee or another caffeinated drink. Even in small doses, caffeine can improve alertness. Two
cups of coffee will last a few hours, but it doesn't replace a good night's sleep.
 Regular stops: If you're driving long distances, you should stop every hundred miles or once every
two hours. If possible, pull over at a rest stop step outside and take a short walk. This will help you
stretch out your legs and regain the ability to focus. If there is someone in the car with you, why not
share the responsibility of driving?
 Alcohol and medications: Both alcohol and medications can make you feel extremely drowsy.
Avoid alcohol if you'll be driving and make sure your medications won't cause drowsiness.
TEST YOURSELF
1. What happens to you when you try to drive when you are drowsy?
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Feeling Overly Emotional
On an average Wednesday, you've come home from an exhausting day at work. You barely survived the
day; you almost got into an argument with your boss. But it's all over; you are finally home and can relax.
You walk in and after a brief hello from your spouse, you are given a list of chores that he or she would like
you to do before the day is over. Today? Does this have to get done today? Yes, apparently it does. The
stresses and anxieties of the day now seem to be out of control and both of you start arguing with one
another. Before the yelling escalates, you grab your keys and head for the car. You think that a nice, long
drive will clear your head and calm you down.
This might have been the worst thing you could do to "relax." Most of us don't even think about how our
emotions can affect our driving. If you're upset or mad, you are likely to transfer these emotions onto the
road. Even if you're not usually prone to road rage, you're more likely to experience it if you start driving
when you're already angry or upset. Because different parts of your mind and body impact one another.
Your emotions impact your alertness and your ability to perform tasks. For example, intense emotions
physically affect your body and your brain. Stress and anger put your body into "fight or flight mode" -- your
heart pumps faster, muscles tighten, adrenaline increases, and breathing quickens. This interferes with
your brain's ability to think and focus on driving. Besides, you are probably going to spend that "relaxing"
drive rehashing the fight and getting more and more frustrated, distracting yourself and increasing your
chances of a collision.
This, of course, is when your road rage emerges. You look at fellow drivers differently. You start believing
that everyone is on the road to inconvenience and aggravate you, and to cut in front of you. So you decide
to act accordingly. You were angry before you got behind the wheel, but now you're furious. You're
probably going to drive recklessly and make some poor, last-minute decisions.
Avoid these situations! Don't drive when you're upset or angry. If you need to clear your head and calm
down, go for a walk instead and leave the car keys at home.
Can't Focus on Driving

When you decide to sit behind a wheel and drive, you are taking on a serious responsibility. It is a skill that
requires your full attention. You shouldn't be trying to eat your breakfast, drink your coffee, or hold
conference calls while you're in the car. You might think that you are focused on driving, but if you are
multi-tasking that means your brainpower is divided between the different tasks and driving is not getting
your full attention.
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The road is full of obstacles and surprises. Even if you're just daydreaming or chatting with your
passengers, you are distracted. If there is any change in the road, it's going to take you longer to react,
increasing your chances of a collision. Instead of taking a chance, just focus on the road!
Poor Vision
As a driver, it is essential that you see well. After all, your sight gives you most of the information you need
to make the right decisions on the road. Your eyes take in the information that your brain processes. It
makes quick calculations and lets your body know what to do.
For this reason the DMV requires licensed drivers to have at least a minimum visual acuity (the ability to
see items clearly and sharply including small details). Here are the minimum requirements to get your
license:
 20/40 with both eyes tested together and

 20/40 in one eye and
 20/70, at least, in the other eye
Of course, the DMV only requires an occasional eye exam so that you can get your license. Once the eye
exam is over, it's up to you to monitor your vision. As we age, our vision deteriorates, but without regular
eye exams, only you can decide if your vision is getting worse. If there is any change in your vision, you
should take this seriously and make an appointment with an optometrist. Deteriorating vision in drivers is
dangerous to the driver and to those he or she shares the road with. Loss of central vision, double vision,
and changes to your depth perception (the ability to figure out how far away an object is), night vision or
peripheral vision (the ability to see out of the corner of your eye) are serious problems that make driving
more difficult and dangerous. Keep everyone safe and keep track of changes in your vision.
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Medications and Alcohol
If you plan to drive, don't even have one drink! Alcohol will contribute to or even create a sense of
drowsiness. Just like alcohol, many drugs can induce drowsiness. Even if it's not a prescription, it can still
make you drowsy! Both prescription and over-the-counter medications can make you sleepy, especially
tranquilizers, antihistamines (most often found in allergy medications), and cold medications. Before you
get behind the wheel, read the package or ask your doctor about the effects of your medication. The
combination of medications and alcohol can make you even drowsier and will have more dangerous health
effects. Never mix the two especially if you plan on driving!
External Reasons
Even if you make sure you're alert, not too emotional, and focused, there are external factors that can
affect your driving too. While you can't control some of these external factors, such as the weather or how
others drive, you can take the necessary steps to make sure you are a prepared driver.
Weather or Road Conditions Are Beyond Your Driving Ability

The weather and the condition of the road are two of the most obvious external factors that drivers can't
control. Road and weather conditions can vary greatly and sometimes change suddenly. You could be
driving on a beautiful, clear day and suddenly, the clouds could descend upon you and you find yourself in
the middle of a heavy storm. At this point, you have to decide whether or not it's safe for you to drive.
The skills you need to drive in a storm are very different from the skills you need to drive on a quiet, country
road. Just because you have a license and a car doesn't mean that you are capable of driving in every
condition. It's up to you to be a self-regulating driver. This means you decide whether or not you can drive
in certain conditions. If there is a sudden storm and you feel uncomfortable driving, then exit the highway or
pull over to the side. Don't take chances. You don't have anything to prove, just wait for the storm to pass.
Make good decisions about driving and always consider the current driving conditions.
Your Vehicle's Condition

We've considered many factors within the car, such as yourself and other passengers that can impact your
ability to drive well. Don't forget, however, that you also have to take care of your vehicle! It's fine if you're a
cautious driver, but if your car is in dire need of repairs or a wash, you're being a negligent driver. How can
you expect your car to get you around town if you don't take care of it? Keep your car in proper driving
condition. Make sure your windows and mirrors are clean and properly adjusted, all of your lights are
functioning, your tires have enough tread, you have enough gas, and you regularly check the car's fluids.
Just like you can't go for a jog with a sprained ankle or without proper nutrition beforehand, you shouldn't
drive a car that has mechanical problems or that's low on gas.
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License, Registration or Insurance Problems
It's not just your vehicle that you have to be concerned about maintaining. You need to make sure your
paperwork is in order and up to date. Apart from the legal and financial consequences of driving without the
proper paperwork, you could also lose the privilege to drive.
Driving Without a Valid California License: If you choose to drive but you never had a license or didn't
get a California license after moving to the state, you can be charged with a misdemeanor or an infraction.
If you get charged with a misdemeanor you could face up to one year of jail time and a hefty fine; an
infraction version of this offense if punishable by fine only.
All original driver’s license or identification card applicants must submit satisfactory proof of California
residency. DMV is prohibited from issuing an original driver’s license or identification card to a person who
does not submit satisfactory proof of California residency (VC 12801.5).
The DMV must issue a no fee driver license to a person exonerated of a conviction and released from state
prison within the previous six months (VC 14903).
Driving With a Suspended or Revoked License: Driving with a suspended or revoked license is a much
more serious offense and is a misdemeanor. Upon the first conviction, you could be imprisoned in the
county jail for up to six months or have to pay a fine that could be anywhere between $300 and $1000. You
could even be punished by both jail time and a fine. It could also lead to the impoundment of your vehicle
and points on your record.
Outdated Registration: If your registration has expired and you've parked your car on the street, your car
could be towed. In addition to the impound fees you'll have to pay to retrieve your car, you will also have to
pay penalties and fines for updating your expired registration.
No Insurance: If you are caught driving without any insurance, you could be fined up to $200 on your first
conviction. In addition, you could have your car impounded and your license suspended. If you get into a
collision and don't have any insurance you might have to pay out of pocket for any injuries or damages. If
you're caught driving without car insurance it could cost you twice as much (or more) as what you would
have spent for one year of auto insurance. If you're trying to save money, cut your budget from somewhere
else. This could be a very expensive gamble!
TEST YOURSELF
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1. What happens if you are caught driving without insurance?
COMMUNICATING WITH OTHER ROAD USERS

As children, we are always taught to share. If you have a brother, sister, cousin, or friend you are told that
you have to share your toys. Your parents don't insist that you give your toys away, but they do remind you
that there are other children around and you shouldn't be selfish. Maybe you play with one toy for fifteen
minutes and then switch toys with your friends. Even at this young age you learn to communicate and
share so everyone is happy. Well, these rules still hold true when you're an adult, especially on the road.
We share the road with other drivers and pedestrians. With this sharing comes communication. We all
have to communicate with one another, whether it's with appropriate hand signals, using your turn signals
or making eye contact. Any time you are going to change your course you should make sure the vehicles
and when applicable, the pedestrians around you know what you're up to.
 Turn signals: Turn signals are the most common and easiest way to communicate your intentions
to others. Letting people know that you are going to turn or change lanes allows time to make a
decision about what they should do.
 Eye contact: Eye contact is especially useful when communicating with pedestrians. Eye contact
can be reassuring for pedestrians when they are trying to cross the street. It's the best way to let
them know that you see them.
 Flashing headlights: This is an effective way to get someone's attention especially at night. Just
be cautious about using this method directly in people’s eyes. The bright light of the high beams
can be blinding.
 Horn: The horn is the most used and abused communication tool. You should only use your horn to
warn others of a problem on the road or to let another driver or pedestrian know you're there. This
doesn't mean you charge ahead, assuming everyone else on the road knows you're coming. If a car
is backing out of a driveway, don't just honk your horn and continue driving! The other driver still
might not notice you. Slow down and make sure the driver sees you before continuing. It's also
important to remember that your horn is not a self-expression tool. You should not use your horn to
convey anger or frustration at another driver! Unnecessary horns just frustrate everyone around!
TEST YOURSELF
1. What can you do to communicate with other road users?
BEING COURTEOUS
Part of sharing something, whether it's a toy or the road, is being courteous. Being courteous means being
polite and considerate. Remember, you are sharing the road, so not only should you think about yourself
but about everyone else on the road. After all, if you're a courteous driver, it means you're a safe driver. If
another driver is trying to change lanes, give them the chance to do so. Don't speed up and try to stop
them from switching lanes! It can be frustrating if someone suddenly decides they have to change their
lane to exit the freeway. What's the point of being rude and not giving them the chance to pass? What if
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that was you? What if you had to exit the freeway and if you missed this exit, the next one wasn't for
another three miles? Wouldn't you hope the other drivers would be courteous and let you pass? You
should always be courteous and treat others the way you want to be treated. This means on the road too! If
everyone on the road were a little more polite and considerate, the road would be a safer place for
everyone using it.
FOLLOWING THE RULES OF THE ROAD

Imagine driving on a road where there were no rules. You could drive in any direction, you didn't know
when to stop or when to go, when you could turn or where you could turn from. Imagine that you were
surrounded by other drivers who had no idea if there were any rules or what they were. It's a scary thought,
because this would be chaos. What's even more frightening is that all these drivers have dangerous
weapons - their cars.
The only way to avoid chaos is to know the rules and to follow them. Sometimes it might seem like there
are too many rules to keep up with, but rules tell you how to behave as well as what you can expect of
other drivers. These rules make the road a safer place, so learn them and follow them!
DEALING WITH ROAD HAZARDS

The road, often times, resembles an obstacle course. You have to be aware of other road users as well as
the challenges that the road itself presents. How many times have you driven on a street and encountered
a huge pothole or a stretch of road that needs to be re-paved? How many times have you driven down the
freeway at 60mph and have had a cardboard box or a plastic bag making its way towards you? These
hazards can be as dangerous, if not more so, than other drivers, pedestrians, or road users. Apart from
these inanimate objects, you can also encounter other vehicles that suddenly stop. What's the best way to
deal with these hazards?
Always follow the rules of the road: The rules of the road have been implemented to keep you and
others safe. If you keep within the speed limit, for example, you are less likely to get into a collision. If you
maintain a safe following distance of at least three seconds (covered further in Ch. 7), instead of tailgating
the car in front you, you can spot a hazard more easily. You'll also have more time to come to a stop.
Scan the road: You should also practice proper scanning techniques. Look forward at least 10-15 seconds
ahead, use your peripheral vision to see to your side and your mirrors to see behind you. You obviously
should keep your eyes on the road, but make sure you also know what’s happening everywhere else. Is
the car two cars ahead slowing down? Is the pedestrian at the intersection up ahead about to cross? Is a
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car coming up behind you really fast? If you’re properly scanning ahead, to the sides and behind you, you’ll
see the hazard earlier on; this will give you more time to think and react.
React to the hazard: Once you've scanned the road and realized you can't avoid the hazard, think quickly.
Accept that there's a hazard and make a quick decision. Use your best judgment. Think about who or what
is around you. Is it better to slow down, stop or swerve? The more experienced you are as a driver, the
more you'll have honed these skills. But never take your experience for granted. Anything can surprise you.
POOR DRIVING CONDITIONS
Poor weather and road conditions make driving more complicated. Bad weather makes it harder to see and
be seen. It makes the roads slippery. This especially becomes a problem if you don't have experience
driving in extreme weather. The best thing to do is to avoid driving in bad weather. Listen to or watch the
weather report. If it appears that the conditions are going to be especially dangerous, wait for the weather
to improve. This isn't always possible, however, so make sure you're prepared!
Be Prepared
The best way to be prepared is to know what to expect before you get into the car. Listen to a current
weather report. Are you anticipating heavy rains? Do your windshield wipers work? If the roads are going to
be slippery, do your tires have enough traction? If it's going to snow or you're expecting ice on the road, do
you have tire chains? It's important to check that you have all your safety equipment and that it's all
functioning properly.
On the Road
Once you've checked all your safety equipment and you get on the road, you should take as many
precautions as you can.
See and be seen: Just like the hippest celebrity hangouts ask that you see and be seen, so does the road
in extreme weather. Use your low beam headlights and fog lights, if you have them, for the most visibility
with least glare. High beam headlights will only reflect back and make it even harder to see. Turn on your
wipers and defroster to keep the windshield as clear as possible. If needed you may have to stop to clean
mud or snow off the headlights and windows.
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Slow down: Posted speed limits apply to perfect driving conditions. If you're driving in bad weather, you
should drive slowly. Don't assume that either you or your vehicle can handle all conditions while moving at
the speed limit. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on the winter road
and have a difficult time avoiding danger. If you're driving at high speeds in heavy rain, you could
hydroplane. In other words, your car could actually lift and travel on a thin layer of water that has formed
between the tire and the road. We're not comic book heroes, our cars should not be lifting off the ground!
Drive slowly and stay safe.
Pull over and wait it out: Sometimes the fog or rain is just too much to continue driving safely no matter
how careful or prepared you are. For your safety and the safety of those around you, it is best to pull off the
road and wait until conditions improve. A roadside diner or gas station is a great spot to kill some time while
waiting for the weather to improve. If you must stop on the shoulder of the road because you have no other
choice, be sure to pull completely off the road and turn off your lights including the brake lights, so that
other drivers do not mistake you for a moving car and drive into you.
Deep water: Always use a lower gear if you're driving after a heavy rainstorm or through any kind of deep
water. But never drive through water that is more than a few inches deep. If you estimate it will be over the
bottom of your vehicle, do not enter it. If it is only a few inches deep, accelerate gently to reduce the
chances of stalling. After crossing the water, check the brakes by pressing the brake pedal gently. If the
brakes are wet, drive slowly and apply the brakes while having your foot gently on the accelerator. This will
dry your brakes after several seconds.
Avoiding and managing skids: Your car can easily skid in icy, snowy, or rainy conditions. You can avoid
skidding by decreasing your speed and braking gently. Sometimes, even this might not be enough.
Skidding can take you by surprise. Instead of panicking be prepared, use quick judgment and react
appropriately. Don't let the skid take control of your vehicle! Instead you should control the skid. Quickly
determine which direction the rear of your car is skidding and turn your wheel towards that direction. Pump
brakes intermittently and continue to steer in the correct direction to take control.
TEST YOURSELF
1. When should you be courteous to other road users?
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CHILD ENDANGERMENT
Children are a part of the population most susceptible to physical and emotional harm. For this reason
governments pass laws specifically to protect them. These laws are intended to ensure the safety of
children, inside and outside the home. Child endangerment laws make it a crime to endanger the health or
life of a child through an adult's indifference or carelessness. Some of these laws are intended to protect
children while they are riding in cars.
Before Driving
As children, we all loved to play hide and seek. Some of us played in the house, hiding in closets or even
cabinets we could fit in. Some of us played outside, hiding behind trees, parked cars and in garages.
Whenever you are about to enter your vehicle and drive off remember to check behind it and around it for
children. It's not only the people that you see standing behind the vehicle that you need to be careful of, but
also the people you can't see - in this case, children. They could be hiding behind or around a car, getting
their ball, or even just walking. Their size makes them especially vulnerable to these senseless collisions.
Before driving off, make sure no one is behind or around the car.
Car Seats
If you have a child as a passenger who is under the age of eight years and under 4 feet 9 inches tall, he or
she must be restrained in an appropriate child restraint system in the back seat of the car. There are
important exceptions to this rule (covered further in Ch. 11).
Leaving Children Unattended

Once you reach your destination, never leave a child six years of age or younger unattended in a car,
unless there is someone who is at least 12 years old to supervise. This is considered child endangerment
and a possible felony. You could be jeopardizing the safety and the life of the child and even others around
the vehicle.
When you leave a child in the car, you threaten his or her life. You might think that the child is safe. He or
she is locked in the car, safe from any potential predators. You're wrong. In this instance, the car itself can
transform into a predator. The temperatures in a car, even on a cool day can be dangerous. A car is a
small, enclosed space that traps a lot of heat. Even if you crack open the windows, this is not enough to
circulate the air in the car. Don't risk the life of a child. Just take them with you.
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A child's own curiosity can also pose a threat. Kids love playing with buttons and knobs. The temptation to
touch and press is heightened in adult environments, especially cars. Even if a child has been in a car with
you dozens of times, and on each occasion, you've told them that they shouldn't touch anything, once
you're away, a child's curiosity can take over. What if he or she shifts the car into neutral? The car would
roll away, endangering the child's life and the lives of those around them. Why would you take this chance?
TEST YOURSELF
1. When is it ok to leave a child unattended in a car?
DEALING WITH OTHER ROAD USERS

Sometimes we forget that people in cars are not the only road users. People can be walking, cycling, or
riding motorcycles. We all share the road and should ensure one another's safety. Since cars are the
largest and most powerful road users, drivers need to be especially cautious and considerate of other road
users.
Pedestrian Safety
Pedestrians are the most vulnerable and least trained road users. While you are driving in your car, in a
relatively safe and protected environment, pedestrians are on the road, without the same protection of a
vehicle that you have. In fact, pedestrian deaths occur in 17% of all traffic fatalities. Drivers have to be
especially cautious and considerate of pedestrians.
Different types of pedestrians: Pedestrians are not just adults walking along the street. They include
skateboarders and joggers who may suddenly jump onto the street. Pedestrians can be children. They too
can be unpredictable. You should watch out for them especially around schools, playgrounds, and
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residential areas. Contrary to the spontaneity of the children, the elderly and physically or visually impaired
take longer deciding and actually crossing the road. Be patient with them.
Some guidelines for sharing the road with pedestrians:
 Pedestrians have the right-of-way in ALL crosswalks - both marked and unmarked.
 Don't pass a vehicle that has stopped at a crosswalk. A pedestrian you can't see may be crossing
the road.
 Don't stop inside the crosswalk. This is a pedestrian's safe space. By entering this space with your
vehicle, you are endangering the pedestrian.
 Don't forget the importance of eye contact! If a pedestrian has made eye contact with you, he or she
is ready to cross the street.
Bicycle Safety
In many ways, cyclists resemble pedestrians. They're untrained road users and equally vulnerable to the
powerful force of a moving vehicle.
Check for cyclists before making turns or lane changes. Remember, it's not just other vehicles that are on
the road. A cyclist could be right next to you as you change your lane or when you open your door when
you've parked your car. Let them know your position and intentions and learn to anticipate theirs.
They don't take up much space on the road, but that doesn't mean you should crowd around them! Give
them plenty of space when passing. Be especially careful when making right turns since bicycle lanes are
often located at the far right of the road. Don't get into the bicycle lane until the last 200 feet before the turn.
Never try to overtake a cyclist while making your turn! Wait for the cyclist to pass and merge into the lane
behind him or her.
Three Feet for Safety Act (VC 21760)

Starting September 16, 2014, the driver of a motor vehicle overtaking or passing a bicyclist going in the
same direction on a highway shall do so at a safe distance that does not interfere with the safety of the
bicyclist. The driver must have due regard for the size and speed of the motor vehicle and bicycle, traffic
conditions, weather, visibility, and the surface and width of the highway.
 He must allow a distance of at least three feet between any part of the vehicle and any part of the
bicycle or its operator.
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 If it is not possible to leave three feet distance because of traffic or roadway conditions, then the
driver shall slow to a speed that is reasonable and prudent and may pass only when doing so would
not endanger the bicyclist.
If a collision occurs between the driver and the bicyclist and the bicyclist is injured, the driver could be fined
$220 if he is found guilty of violating this law.
Helmet Law: California law requires that bicycle riders under the age of 18 wear an approved helmet that
is properly fitted and fastened while riding.
Bicycle Reflector (VC 21201): When operating a bicycle in the dark on a highway or a sidewalk the
bicycle must be equipped with a red reflector or a solid or flashing red light with a built-in reflector on the
rear of the bicycle.
Electric Bicycle Classes (VC 312.5, 12804.9, 21113, & 24016): There are now three classes of electric
bicycles. All operators of a Class 3 (maximum speed of 28 miles per hour) electric bicycle must be 16 years
old or older and are required to wear a bicycle helmet. There is no financial responsibility, driver’s license,
registration, or license plate requirement for electric bicycles.
Motorcycle Safety
Just because a motorcyclist is riding a motorized vehicle does not mean he or she is any match for a car.
In a sense, they are at greater risk. They might be able to move more quickly than a pedestrian or cyclist
but they're still small and less visible. This makes it difficult to determine exactly how fast they're going and
how far away they are. You might be tempted to assume their distance and speed but don't take a chance.
You should always be extra careful around motorcyclists and be aware of the following:
Changing lanes: Just as with cyclists, make sure you watch out for motorcyclists when you change lanes
or turn left. They can seem to appear out of nowhere so watch out for them. Keep in mind that turn signals
don't turn off automatically on most motorcycles; you must make sure the rider is actually turning before
you turn in front of him. He may have forgotten to turn his signal off and doesn't plan on turning.
Following motorcycles: Be sure to allow at least a four-second following distance when driving behind a
motorcycle. If you follow too closely, you might distract the rider from paying attention to the road. Allow the
motorcycle the entire width of the lane. A motorcycle is smaller than a car but for the sake of the rider's
safety, you should allow them the entire space. The rider may move around the lane to increase his or her
chances of seeing and being seen as well as to avoid obstacles. Just as with cyclists, don't try to overtake
a motorcycle in the same lane. If the rider crashes, it's your fault.
Poor Weather and Road Conditions: Be extra careful around motorcycles when road conditions are
poor. Bad weather, gravel, mud, or ice on the road makes it harder for all road users, but it is even worse
for motorcyclists. They don't have the balance and stability of a four-wheeled vehicle and are more likely to
skid on slippery roads.
Instruction Permit: Motorcycle (VC 12509.5)

If you are trying to obtain a motorcycle instruction permit, the law now lays out age-specific requirements.
For example, if you are under the age of 21, you must complete the motorcycle safety course administered
by the CHP.
Helmet Law: California law requires that the driver and passenger of a motorcycle wear an approved
helmet that is properly fastened while riding.
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Driving is an enormous responsibility. Your safety and the safety of those around you are in your hands. A
drowsy bob of the head, a quick turn to the back seat to check on your dog that's running around, or your
insistence to drive in bad weather conditions could have horrible repercussions. Don't take unnecessary
chances! Don't risk your life or the life of other road users by making bad decisions.
TEST YOURSELF
1. Why should you be extra careful around motorcycles?
Chapter 6: Driving Maneuvers

Drivers need to have the appropriate skill set to drive. These skills come with experience, but there are
certain maneuvers that every driver needs to practice and master. Mastery of these technical skills will
make the road safer for everyone.
BACKING UP
Backing up is one of the most important and most used driving maneuvers. When you think about backing
up, you probably think about moving out of a parking space. But you also have to back up when you get
out of a driveway or when you parallel park. Even though it's one of the most common driving maneuvers,
it's also one of the most difficult. It requires that you shift your body into an awkward and uncomfortable
position while steering the car backwards. This is not easy, but you can master this skill.
Check behind the Vehicle

You might assume that backing up begins once you are in the car, behind the wheel, with your body in the
appropriate position. Backing up actually involves a few more steps even before you open your car door.
Before getting into your vehicle always check behind the car. You never know when children might be
playing behind the car. You will not be able to see them when you are sitting behind the wheel, so check
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for them beforehand. You should also look behind the vehicle for broken glass or any other objects that
might damage your car, especially your tires.
Head and Body Position

Once you've done the initial check, you need to know how to position yourself while backing up. When
reversing always place your left hand at 12 o'clock on the steering wheel. The position of your head should
match the direction into which you are backing up. When backing into a right turn or going straight, turn
your torso and head to the right until you can see out the rear window. When backing into a left turn, place
your right hand at 12 o'clock and turn your torso and head to the left until you can see to the left rear. It is
important that you actually turn your body to look out the back window; do not simply rely on the rearview
mirror. There are blind spots that won't allow you to have a complete view of the back of the car. As you're
backing up you should check all around the car as well. The only way you can do this is if you turn your
head. The rearview mirrors are not enough!
Steering
You should avoid making a sharp turn while backing up. Backing up is already a complicated maneuver, no
need to make it more difficult! If you have to make a sharp turn, reduce your speed and back up carefully.
Backing up requires that you maintain complete control of the car and remain extremely vigilant. This
means you should back up slowly. If you are driving at a very slow speed, you will have enough time to
react if an obstacle appears. You should be even more cautious if you're going to make a sharp turn while
backing. Your vision will be very limited and you have to be sure that you have a clear view of everything
behind you and around you.
If you are going to back around a corner into the flow of traffic make sure you have another person outside
the vehicle to guide you. Not only will this person help you back up, but their presence outside the vehicle
will communicate your intention to other drivers.
Tight Spaces
Try to avoid parking in tight spaces. Before you park, make sure you will have plenty of room to back up. In
parking lots, find spaces that do not require backing up. If it's possible drive through one space into a
second where you can drive out when it's time to leave. Even if you have been driving for years, backing up
is a difficult maneuver. Don't take unnecessary risks! If you do have to back up out of a tight space, use
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your mirrors and your passengers to help you navigate. It's always helpful to have another set of eyes. This
will allow you to back up more comfortably.
TEST YOURSELF
1. What is the proper head and body position when going in reverse?
CHANGING LANES
Along with backing up, changing lanes is one of the most used driving maneuvers. Just because we
change lanes on a daily basis does not mean it's easy. It can be tricky and dangerous. It's important to
know when you can change lanes and how you can change lanes safely. There are a number of reasons
why a driver might choose to change lanes:
 You plan to turn at the upcoming intersection and need to get into the appropriate lane.
 The vehicle in front of you is driving slower than the speed limit and you would like to pass them
safely.
 Your lane is ending and you need to merge.
 You notice an obstacle or hazard up ahead and would like to avoid it.
If you have to or want to change lanes, plan ahead. Make sure you have ample space to make the change.
Check the vehicle ahead of you and the speed of the vehicle behind you. Check for vehicles in the lane you
will be entering.
1. Check Mirrors
Before changing lanes, make sure it's safe to change. Look around you and scan for pedestrians, cyclists,
other cars or obstacles that might pose a problem. Use your side and rearview mirrors to check your
surroundings.
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2. Check Blind Spots
Checking your mirrors is not enough. Everyone also has two blind spots that are two gaps in our visual field
that restrict us from seeing everything. These blind spots are large enough to hide a pedestrian or even
another vehicle. The only way you can be sure that it is safe for you to change lanes is to turn your head to
the left and right. The side and rearview mirrors are helpful and necessary but they don't reflect the full
picture. So turn your head and check your blind spots!
3. Signal
Once you've checked your mirrors and your blind spots and decided that it's safe to change lanes, you
should activate your turn signal continuously for 100 feet before changing lanes. Lights and turn signals are
an important means of communication. When you activate your turn signal, you're telling other drivers that
you plan to change lanes. Don't just flick it on briefly. Leave your turn signal on until you've successfully
changed lanes so that all other road users can see your signal. If you're on the freeway, signal five seconds
before changing lanes.
4. Adjust Speed to Enter and Stay

Re-check your surroundings. Check the space you'll be moving into. You should have enough room to
enter without disrupting the flow of traffic. Other cars should not have to slow down, speed up or change
lanes because you are entering the lane. If you have decided you have ample room and time, adjust your
speed to match the speed of the lane you will be entering. Make the transition as smooth as possible. Don't
jerk into the lane! Move into the new lane gradually by moving the steering wheel slightly. Never slow down
unnecessarily. This could cause other vehicles behind you to get closer and even cause a collision.
5. Cancel Signal
After you've changed your lane, maintain your speed and cancel your signal. If you don't cancel your
signal, other drivers might think you're planning another lane change. Don't confuse them!
TEST YOURSELF
1. What are blind spots?
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PASSING
If you decide to pass a driver, always use good judgment and think and act quickly. You often have a small
window of time to pass, so it's essential that you decide the best course and take action. If you are being
passed, don't turn into an aggressive driver and speed up. You should do everything you can to avoid a
collision and to avoid being caught in one.
Deciding When It is Safe and Legal to Pass

Before passing, you should remember the rules of passing. Just like any other driving maneuver you
should be sure that it is completely safe to pass. Before you pass, take a look ahead and check for road
conditions or traffic that may cause other vehicles to move into your lane. If you cannot see far enough
ahead, don't take the chance and pass. You don't know what lies ahead or why the other vehicles have
slowed down or stopped. It's safer if you wait until you can see ahead. Never drive off the paved road and
do not drive on the shoulder to pass. This is dangerous, illegal and can damage your car.
As a general rule, you should pass on the left. You can pass on the right if:
 you are on a freeway

 the vehicle you're going to pass is making a left
 you are on a one-way road
 you don't drive off the pavement or the main-traveled part of the road
When You Should NOT Pass

There are many reasons and situations that call for drivers NOT to pass:
 You may not pass other vehicles when approaching within 100 feet of an intersection or railroad
crossing.
 You may not pass as you approach a hill or the curve of a road if your view is blocked in a way that
would prevent you from seeing an oncoming vehicle.
 You may not pass if your view is blocked as you approach within 100 feet of a bridge, viaduct or
tunnel.
But it is also illegal to pass when you simply can't see far enough ahead or do not have enough space to
pass or whenever the pass creates a real danger for other road users involved. That is why it is safest to
avoid passing unless you have no doubt that it can be done safely.
One very important situation where you should absolutely never pass is when approaching a school bus
with red signal lights flashing. The flashing red lights tell drivers that the bus is loading or unloading
children. And since children can be unpredictable, you have to stop and wait for the bus driver to turn the
flashing lights off. Be patient and wait for the flashing lights to stop. Once the lights are off and you begin to
drive, do so very carefully. Look around and make sure there aren't any children that might be crossing the
road or standing around the bus. You never know when a child may step into the street. You do not have to
stop if the bus is on the opposite side of a physical barrier or divider such as a divided highway or multi-
lane highway.
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How Do You Decide When It is Safe to Pass?
Before passing you should decide whether or not you can pass safely. First, realize that it will take at least
several seconds and several hundred feet (depending on your speed) to pass successfully. Choose to
pass only when the oncoming vehicle is more than double this distance from you. As a general rule the
oncoming car should be at least 10-12 seconds away - At 55 mph, this is 1600 feet, or 1/3 of a mile. If the
car is any closer, trying to make a pass could end up in a head on collision. Check ahead and make sure
you can identify an end of pass gap to pull back into. Be mentally prepared for possible problem and have
a plan for how you will handle it.
Steps for Successful Passing

One you've decided it is safe to pass, take the following steps to ensure that you pass safely and
successfully.
1. Scan the road: Just as you would for other driving maneuvers, scan the road for hazards. Check the
situation of the oncoming vehicles, vehicles approaching from the rear and merging vehicles. Also check
your mirrors and left blind spot.
2. Is there enough space ahead? Then determine if you have enough time and space to pass safely. If
you are driving 50 to 55 mph, you need a 10-12 second gap in oncoming traffic in order to complete the
maneuver. At that speed your car and the oncoming car will each travel 800 feet. So you need at least
1600 feet (1/3 of a mile) between your vehicle and any oncoming vehicle to pass safely. It's difficult to
judge the speed of a vehicle that far away because it will look like it is standing still. In fact, if you see it
moving closer to you then that should tell you that it is too close for you to start passing. If you have the
slightest doubt, do not attempt the pass! Be patient and wait for another opportunity.
3. Make your move quickly: If you feel the situation is safe, activate your signal to show your intent to
pass and warn the driver ahead. Accelerate to obtain a speed advantage. Recheck the situation ahead
including your blind spot. Steer into the passing lane keeping your eye on the situation ahead and the
vehicle you are passing.
4. Return to your lane: Check your rear view mirror. When you are able to see both front tires of the
vehicle you are passing, activate your turn signal. Check the blind spot and steer into the right lane without
reducing your speed. Turn off your signal and ease off the accelerator to meet the flow of traffic. If another
vehicle is passing yours, don't be discourteous and aggressive! Don't speed up, instead maintain or
decrease your speed yield to the other driver.
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TEST YOURSELF
1. When considering passing a slow vehicle on a two-way road, how far away should the oncoming vehicle
be from you before you make your move?
HYDROPLANING
It's a cold, rainy day in California. It's been raining for days and it seems like it's never going to stop. Maria
wakes up to the sounds of heavy rain. It's the worst rainfall yet. She thinks to herself, "If I didn't have to go
to work, I would stay home. But I have to get to work..." She gets dressed and leaves the house. Maria is a
careful driver, especially in poor conditions. Even she can't expect what happens next though. All of a
sudden, she feels as though she's flying. It's as though the wheels of the car aren't touching the ground.
She quickly realizes what's happening: her car is hydroplaning.
What is Hydroplaning?
Hydroplaning can be a frightening experience. It can feel like you've lost control of the car. Your steering
wheel will feel loose and your car will begin to slide. When you're hydroplaning, it means that your tires are
no longer touching the ground. Your car is floating on top of the water on the road.
When Is It Most Likely to Happen?

As we saw with Maria, hydroplaning is most likely to occur if you're driving in heavy rains. It could also
happen while you're driving through large puddles. The reason you hydroplane is because there is so much
water on the road that your tires can't push through it. It's not just the amount of water though. You are
more likely to hydroplane if you are driving fast in these poor road conditions and have worn out tires.
How Can You Avoid It?

Hydroplaning can happen anytime the roads are wet. There are some steps you can take however to avoid
it. Maintaining your tires is essential to avoiding hydroplaning. Keep your tires inflated properly and ensure
that you have good tire tread. If your tires are worn out, replace them! You're more likely to hydroplane if
you drive fast. If the roads are wet, slow down and avoid puddles. Finally, try to follow the cars in front of
you and drive in their tire tracks. Your tires are more likely to stay in contact with the road if cars in front of
you have pushed away some of the water on the road.
How Can You Recover?

While following these precautions drastically reduces your likelihood of hydroplaning, it could still happen. If
you do hydroplane, don't panic! Do not make any sudden moves such as braking or turning. This could
make you skid. Gently ease your foot off the gas until the car slows down. Your tires should touch the road
soon thereafter. If you need to brake, do it gently by pumping the brakes.
TEST YOURSELF
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1. What should you do if your car hydroplanes?
FISH-TAILING
Imagine you're driving on an icy road and suddenly your car starts shaking and wobbling. The back of your
car is skidding to one side! You feel like you have lost control of the car. What's happening?
What is Fishtailing?
When you feel like the back of the car is skidding or moving in a different direction from the front of the car,
you're fishtailing. This means that the rear wheels have lost traction. You might be able to hear the gas
splashing around in the tank. This is scary and dangerous. Not only do you feel like you've lost control but
your car could turn around completely or get thrown into oncoming traffic.
When Is It Most Likely to Happen?

Since fishtailing happens when your rear wheels lose traction, it's most likely to happen when you are
driving on low friction surface such as snow or ice. You are more likely to fishtail if you are driving at high
speeds or brake suddenly. If you drive a rear-wheel drive car, you are more likely to fishtail, but front-wheel
drive vehicles could fishtail too.
How Can You Avoid It?

If you're driving on low friction roads, drive slowly. Do not brake suddenly and take your turns slowly. Just
like hydroplaning, it's the rapid movements in bad road conditions that cause you to lose control.

If you do fishtail, stay calm and don't overcorrect the problem. Ease off the gas pedal and steer in the
direction of the skid. For example, if your rear is skidding to the left steer to the left. Don't steer too far to
the left though. This can cause your car to skid in the opposite direction, making your car look like a
wriggling fish. As with any other skid, don't brake suddenly. You'll just make it worse! If you fishtail while
you're driving in traffic, try to stay away from oncoming traffic by steering the skid to the side of the road,
away from traffic.
UNEVEN SURFACES
John is driving after some heavy rains. He's glad he was able to avoid driving in bad weather. He didn't
have to leave the house that day and decided to stay home instead of risking the possibility of hydroplaning
or skidding. He was especially pleased with his decision after he heard what happened to Maria. Once the
rains stopped, he decided it was time to go out and run his errands. He had to buy groceries and pick up
his dry cleaning. He didn't think he would have to face any obstacles now that the weather had cleared up.
Unfortunately, he was wrong. He was driving down his usual path and suddenly felt like his car fell into
something. What was that? He pulled over, worried he had a flat tire. He checked his tires and they
seemed fine. He then carefully inspected the road and found a huge pothole. A part of the road, already
worn from daily use, had sunk in because of the heavy rain and formed a pothole!
While cities and counties try to maintain their roads as much as possible, drivers occasionally encounter
uneven surfaces. They may or may not be expecting them. In these instances, drivers may lose control of
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their cars or damage them. There are a few road conditions that all drivers should be wary of and should
know how to maneuver.
Bad Pavement
Cracks, potholes or patches in the pavement reduce the contact between the tires and the road and may
cause you to lose some control of your vehicle. Bad pavement, if driven over in high speeds can also
damage your tires and your car's suspensions. You should always be alert when driving. Try to identify bad
pavement before you encounter it. Be vigilant especially after heavy rains or snow. These weather
conditions are more likely to stress already worn roads, leading to cracks and potholes. Reduce your speed
in order to give yourself more time to see and deal with these obstacles. If you can, try to avoid them
completely by safely maneuvering around them. If you have to drive over them, brake before your wheels
get to the pothole and then release the brake pedal as you are rolling over the pothole. Braking directly
over a pothole can seriously damage your car's suspension system.
DROP-OFFS
Drop-offs are either a small difference in height between the road and the shoulder or a steep cliff. They
restrict your ability to swerve onto the shoulder in an emergency or to use the shoulder to park in case of
breakdowns.
Where Are They?

Anytime a road does not have a "hard" paved shoulder it probably has a drop-off. They can range from a
few inches below the road into a large graveled area to 12 inches or more. Rural and mountain areas are
most likely to have drop-offs just because of the way the road was created in the land.
How Can You Identify Them?

When you are driving on an unfamiliar road, take a quick look to the edge of the road. Is it a drop-off or a
hard shoulder? If it's a hard shoulder, it should look the same as the road. In other words, the drop-off and
the road will be paved in a similar way. If it does not look like a paved shoulder, you should be careful. The
steeper the drop-off, the more careful you should be. If you are driving in a mountainous area for example,
you might find yourself driving on the side of a cliff. Don't drive fast! You don't want to lose control of the
car! Also, if there is any kind of malfunction with the car, such as a flat tire, you'll have more control of this
dangerous situation if you are driving at a slower speed.
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How Can You Avoid Them?
If you know that the road you will be using has a drop-off, try to find an alternate route. If this is not
possible, drive slowly and stay as far away as you can from the edge of the road.

You can recover from falling into a small drop-off. It can be tricky however. If there is enough road ahead
and the drop-off is not too steep, you can try to accelerate and then turn the tires to get them back on the
road. If the tire falls into a larger drop-off, you may need a tow truck to get you out. If it falls off a cliff, your
entire car will go down with it.
Drivers can't always see these uneven surfaces and drop-offs. You can combat these road conditions by
driving at reduced speeds, especially after bouts of bad weather. Always be mentally prepared for these
obstacles. The road is full of unexpected situations.
The best driver is both courteous and experienced. An experienced driver has mastered all of these
maneuvers and is prepared for any surprises. If a driver doesn't feel comfortable with any of these
maneuvers, he or she should practice them in a safe environment. Mastering these maneuvers will make
you an experienced driver and a better road user.
TEST YOURSELF
1. What should you do to get over a pothole safely if you can't maneuver around it?
END OF SECTION 2
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SECTION 3
Chapter 7: Defensive Driving

What is defensive driving? The National Safety Council defines defensive driving as "driving to save lives,
time, and money, in spite of the conditions around you and the actions of others." A good driver who has
mastered driving maneuvers, is courteous on the road and is familiar with the rules of the road. Drivers
trained in defensive driving, however, reduce the risks associated with driving by anticipating dangerous or
emergency situations and knowing how to respond to them.
PLANNING TRIPS
Defensive driving begins before you even get into your car. You should always be prepared for an
unexpected emergency or collision. You never know what will happen while you are driving. Take the
precautionary steps to ensure that you will be prepared for a variety of situations. Think about your
destination. What do you need? Do you know how to get there? Should you write down the directions or
program your GPS? Are you worried about the weather? Have you given yourself enough time to reach
your destination? It seems like common sense to ask yourself these questions. Oftentimes however we are
in a rush to leave and forget to plan ahead. Then we get to a jammed freeway, and scramble to figure out a
detour, or realize our car is low on gas miles from a gas station. Give yourself enough time to plan your
trips; you'll be better prepared for any surprises the road may have to offer! More importantly, you have the
power to decrease the number of surprises you might have to face.
Packing
Be prepared! Cars break down all the time. In fact, the Automobile Association of America handles
between 29 and 30 million calls every year from drivers stranded on highways. In most instances, it's easy
to get help. If you are on a secluded road however this might be a little trickier. It might take some time for
help to arrive. If it's late at night places might be closed, making it more difficult to get help. Weather can
also play a role in this. If you are stuck in a snowstorm it's unlikely that you'll be able to get help
immediately. Don't take a chance! Pack the necessities in an emergency kit and always have it in the car.
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Every emergency kit should have a first aid kit, a flashlight, a blanket, a navigation aid, and some warm
clothing. If you are stuck in the middle of nowhere in a heavy storm, you want to be sure you can stay
warm without the car's heater.
You should also take the additional step and pack some food and water. Obviously, it would be a bad idea
to pack sandwiches and fresh food and leave them in your car for an indefinite period of time. What you
can do however is pack some energy bars. These high calorie bars provide long-term energy and while not
the tastiest foods, they have a long shelf life. You can keep them in your car for months without having to
worry about them.
You have the food, but don't forget the water! Up to 60% of the human body is water. While you might be
able to survive a few days without food, you can't live without water. Pack a few liter bottles and just leave
them in the trunk. If you have a large family or usually travel with many passengers, reconsider your
supplies. You don't want to be forced to share that one energy bar among five people because you forgot
to pack more.
(Source: "10 Things that Should Always Be in Your Car," by Evan Griffin of MSN Autos)
Checking Road Conditions

A defensive driver always anticipates road conditions. While you cannot always predict a traffic jam or a
sudden thunderstorm, you can take some measures to better prepare for extreme weather conditions,
heavy traffic, or construction.
Weather
Mother Nature can be very unpredictable. A clear, beautiful day can transform into a thunderstorm. Who
would have guessed it was going to rain? You also can't judge the weather in another part of town. While it
might be sunny where you begin your journey, a dark cloud may be looming over your destination, ready to
descend. Always check the weather forecast before leaving. Will it be raining? If so, are your windshield
wipers in proper working condition? Do you anticipate snow at any point today? Do you have the necessary
chains and know how to use them? Sometimes, even meteorologists are wrong about the weather.
Checking on the weather report however will still be more accurate than simply looking out of a window!
Traffic and Road Construction

Much like weather, traffic jams can be unpredictable. You never know if a collision will back up a freeway
for miles. You can however plan your route based on current traffic conditions. You can check for
congestion, traffic jams, and road construction by listening to your local news or doing a quick online
search. If you can anticipate heavy traffic or construction, you might rethink your plans. Are there any side
streets you could use? How about another freeway? Maybe you should leave earlier than you had
planned? Planning ahead will also make you a more relaxed driver. If you know to anticipate traffic and
plan accordingly, you're less likely to get angry or irritated while driving.
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Inspect Your Vehicle
If you are planning on taking a long trip whether it's for a few hours or longer, make sure your vehicle is the
well-oiled machine it should be! Neglecting to do a basic maintenance check could leave you stranded on
the road. The most important areas you should check before taking a trip are engine fluids, radiator hoses,
belts, tires and brakes.
Engine fluids: Check your oil levels and the date you are due for another oil change. If it's sometime soon,
just change the oil before you leave on your trip. If you do take the car in for an oil change, the mechanic
could also check other fluids, such as the transmission fluid.
Hoses and belts: Look under the hood and take a look at the hoses. They play an integral part in keeping
your car healthy and running. Do they have any cracks or blisters? If so, it's better to change them than
take a chance. You don't want to smell burnt rubber while you are driving in the desert! The same rule
applies for belts: if they appear torn or cracked, get them changed before you get on the road.
Tire pressure and treading: Take a look at your tires, give them a gentle kick, and if you have a tire
pressure gauge, use it to measure the air pressure of your tires. Are they properly inflated (Remember to
check your vehicle's owner manual for the recommended inflation)? While you are checking tire pressure,
don't forget to inspect the treading of your tires. Do they look worn? Consider changing them before you
head out.
Spare tire: Even though you have checked your tires, the road is full of surprises. What if you drive over a
sharp object that deflates a tire? Make sure you have a spare tire. Spare tires can be found in the trunk of
a car or might be secured underneath. Check the tire pressure and treads of this tire. A spare tire won't do
you much good if it is deflated too! Do you have a wheel wrench and jack? If not, go to the automotive
store, pick them up and keep them in the trunk of your car. Even if you don't know how to change a tire,
they might be useful to the Good Samaritan that helps you.
Brakes: Healthy brakes and brake fluid are essential for a safe trip. Check your brake fluid. What color is
it? Is it the color of maple syrup? If it is, that means the fluid is old and it will start rusting your brakes.
Change the fluid or have it changed. Don't forget to check the brakes themselves. If they too are worn,
have them changed.
By following these measures, you are sure to have a safer and more relaxing journey. Your car will be less
likely to break down, especially because of your carelessness.
AVOIDING PROBLEMS ON THE ROAD
The Importance of a Safe Following Distance

Once you get on the road, maintain a safe following distance between yourself and the car in front of you.
A safe following distance allows you to create a buffer zone; if the car in front of you brakes suddenly, you
will have enough space to brake without crashing into it. What then is a safe following distance? How are
you supposed to determine if you have a sufficient buffer zone?
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Three-Second Rule
If you are driving during the day, on dry roads and in low traffic, you should follow the three-second rule for
determining how much space to leave in front. How do you measure three seconds? Choose a fixed object
on the road such as a sign or tree. When the vehicle ahead of you passes that object begin counting slowly
"one-one thousand; two-one thousand; three-one thousand." Don't cheat and rush with the counting! If you
reach the object before you have finished counting, you are following too closely. Slow down and try the
count again.
Four-Second-Plus Rule
Road conditions always change and a defensive driver knows to adjust his or her strategies to
accommodate these changes. What happens to the three-second rule when perfect driving conditions
become imperfect? If you are driving in heavy rain, if the roads are wet or slippery, if you are driving in
traffic or even if it's just dark outside, you should increase your following distance to four or more seconds.
If the weather is particularly poor or there are several factors in play (it is dark out, heavy traffic, etc) then
don't hesitate to triple it to nine seconds. For your own safety and for the driver in front of you, ensure that
you can brake suddenly without causing a collision.
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Increase Your Following Distance around Motorcycles
Motorcyclists are more vulnerable than drivers. They don't have the cushioned protection of a car. They
have their helmets and that's it. Sometimes it's difficult to gauge if a motorcycle is slowing down.
Furthermore, motorcycles are able to stop much more quickly than cars. This means that if you are
following a motorcycle too closely, the motorcyclist will have stopped, but you will still be trying to stop.
Inevitably, this will lead to a collision which could be fatal for the motorcyclist. For this reason, you should
use extra caution when following a motorcycle. Follow at least a four second rule if you are behind a
motorcycle. Give yourself enough space to determine if a motorcycle is slowing down. Allow yourself
enough space from the motorcycle to even anticipate a stop. By following the four second rule you will
have enough time to react to any change in the speed of the motorcycle.
Maintaining a safe following distance is the key to being a defensive driver and a good driver. Following a
car closely will not help you reach your destination any faster. It will just aggravate the driver in front of you
and endanger you and other road users.
Avoid Driving in Someone's Blind Spot

There are two areas around your vehicle that you cannot see called blind spots. These are very dangerous
areas! It's important to check your own blind spots before changing lanes since other vehicles could be
driving in them without being seen. If cars could be hiding accidentally in your blind spots, you too could be
hiding unintentionally in another car's blind spots. A defensive driver will take that extra step and stay out of
other drivers' blind spots. The other driver may not turn his or her head as they should and end up hitting
you while switching lanes. Either slow down or speed up so you are not driving right next to any cars.
Driving right next to other cars also poses another problem: it doesn't give you the opportunity to maneuver
in case of an emergency. Imagine you are driving on the freeway and a large cardboard box is flying at
your car. Your only option is to swerve out of your lane. If you have decided to drive in bunches with other
vehicles, you can't go anywhere. You are forced to drive ahead, slow down, and hope that you win this
game of chicken with the box. Whether it's following the three-second rule or ensuring that you are not
driving in clusters of traffic, always allow yourself room to maneuver. This way, you will be prepared for the
unexpected.
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Be Prepared to Escape a Problem
Pablo and John are driving on the freeway, on their way home from the beach. They spent all day at Santa
Monica with a group of friends. While everyone else decided to leave earlier, John and Pablo being good
defensive drivers decided to wait for traffic to calm down. They know that you are less likely to get into a
collision if you avoid rush hour. Once they left the beach, traffic was significantly better, however, there
were still quite a few cars on the road. John was driving. He not only followed the three-second-plus rule (it
was dark, after all) but he also kept looking around, making sure he wasn't in anyone's blind spot. After
driving for fifteen minutes, they noticed that a car was approaching them rapidly. Both John and Pablo
knew that tailgating was a problem especially on the freeway. They both assumed that was all it was, a
stubborn tailgater refusing to abide by the three-second rule. After looking up at the car again, they noticed
he was right behind them and did not seem to be slowing down. Was there something wrong with his
brakes? Or was this an example of road rage? Whatever it was, they did not want to find out how far this
would go. The other driver was approaching them too quickly. John quickly signaled that he would change
lanes, checked his mirrors, looked both ways and switched lanes. This evasive action saved John and
Pablo from a dangerous collision.
A defensive driver is always prepared to escape a sudden problem or obstacle. In this case, the threat
came from behind the car. In most cases, however, drivers must be prepared for what lies ahead or next to
them. What should you do if a driver stops suddenly? If you are alert enough and have given yourself
enough space, then you should be able to brake as well. But what if you can't? You must think and act
quickly. Your other option is to switch lanes. This of course is only possible if you are not driving directly
alongside other vehicles. Evasive actions require fast thinking and fast acting. They also require you to
plan ahead. In other words, to maintain a safe following distance and plan a set of escape routes all around
you. If John had decided to drive alongside other cars on the freeway, he would not have had room to
switch lanes and the car behind him may have crashed into him. John however is a defensive driver. Even
though he did not expect such an incident, he prepared ahead. He gave himself a number of escape
routes, in anticipation of such a hazard. Even if you don't think you'll need this escape plan, always have
one ready and be ready to implement it. You never know what lies ahead or even what might be coming up
from behind you!
TEST YOURSELF
1. What could happen if you drive in another car's blind spot?
Increase Your Car's Visibility: Drive with Your Headlights on during the Day
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One of the easiest ways you can avoid a collision is by making sure that other drivers and road users can
see you. It is every driver's responsibility to look around and check for other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists
and obstacles. But it is also every driver's responsibility to make sure they can be seen. All cars are
equipped with lighting to help drivers see and make sure the vehicle can be seen by others. You should
use the headlights when it is cloudy, foggy, raining or snowing, on frosty mornings when other drivers'
windows may be icy or foggy, and on small country or mountain roads. You should use headlights any time
you have trouble seeing other cars because they're probably having trouble seeing you too! In fact, the law
requires you to turn on your headlights whenever weather conditions prevent you from clearly seeing a
person or other motor vehicle on the highway from a distance of 1000 feet, or when driving in conditions
that require your windshield wipers to be in continuous use.
What about when you are driving during the day? It's another beautiful, sunny day in California. Do you
need to use headlights? Can everyone see you? They can, but with all the other things they are looking at,
they might not pay enough attention to your car. After a while, your car could look like it's blending into the
background. Having your headlights on just adds an extra layer to the scene to call attention to yourself.
Even though the law does not require it, it is a good idea to drive with your headlights on all the time, even
on sunny days. This will help other drivers see you and may help you avoid a head-on collision. But don't
forget to turn them off when you park!
TEST YOURSELF
1. How does having headlights on during a sunny day help you drive safer?
Avoid Lane Changes near Intersections

Intersections are the most dangerous areas of the highway system. They are defined as any location
where two roads cross or join. The right-of-way rules must be applied at these crossroads. There are two
kinds of intersections: controlled and uncontrolled. Controlled intersections have signs or signals posted or
a traffic control officer to control the flow of traffic and help determine the right-of-way. Uncontrolled
intersections do not have signs, signals or a traffic control officer directing the flow of traffic.
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Whether intersections are controlled or not, they are the centers of much activity. It is at the intersection
where oncoming cars will be turning left, where cars in your lane will be turning right and where some cars
will attempt u-turns. For this reason, it is best to avoid lane changes in or near intersections. These are
already dangerous situations. Do not add another element of danger. Changing lanes near an intersection
can lead to a misunderstanding among drivers. A driver planning to make a left turn has scanned the road
for hazards. He or she assumes that drivers approaching the intersection will stay in their lanes until after
they have passed the intersection. In most cases, they decide whether or not they can turn safely based on
this assumption. If you decide to change lanes just as you approach the intersection, or even worse in the
intersection, you are confusing the other driver. This could cause a collision. Instead of endangering
yourself and others, wait to pass the intersection then change lanes.
Scanning for Hazards

You can easily avoid problems and collisions on the road by carefully looking all around your car
(scanning) for hazards. By looking far enough ahead and keeping your eyes moving, you are able to
anticipate any problems and give yourself more time to deal with them. In order to scan the road fully, you
should repeat these steps:
1. When looking ahead, don't just stare at the car in front of you. Aim your gaze around 10 to 15
seconds ahead so you can see problems with enough time to decide what to do. Do you see brake
lights up ahead, even before the car in front of you brakes? You can start slowing down and
preparing your next move.
2. Use your peripheral vision to scan the sides of your car. Your peripheral vision will help you
determine if a car is trying to switch lanes or if any sudden changes have taken place around you.
3. Use your mirrors to help you see what's happening behind you and around you. Is a car speeding
toward you? Should you change lanes?
4. Repeat the above steps until you arrive at your destination.
LOOK OUT FOR: Parked Vehicles Moving into Traffic

It happens so often. You are driving and all of a sudden a car jumps in front of you. Where did it come
from? If you did not see a car exit a driveway, then that leaves only one other alternative: the car was
parked. It's common sense that the driver of a parked car will eventually return to his or her car and get
back on the road. These cars don't stay parked forever! Yet they continue to surprise other drivers. A
defensive driver will scan the road for just such a hazard. As you are driving, continue to look ahead. Take
advantage of your peripheral vision as well, which allows you to see out of the corner of your eye. Are any
drivers entering their parked cars? They might be unlocking their car doors to retrieve something; or they
might be getting ready to leave. This should be enough of a clue that a new car will be merging with traffic.
Just to be safe pass this car slowly. Brake lights are also a big clue. The driver might have just pulled into a
parking spot; or he might have just turned his car on and is preparing to join the road.
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If you are driving in the lane closest to the parked cars, regularly scan the road for these signs. Is anyone
entering a parked vehicle? Were brake lights or turn signals activated in a parked vehicle? These are clear
signs that a parked car may soon merge with traffic. If you see these signs, slowdown in case a car does
pull out in front of you. If a car has activated their turn signal, be courteous and let them merge. Don't be
aggressive and hog the road. This is not only rude but it can also be dangerous. You properly scanned the
road and anticipated this car's intentions. The driver behind you might not have been so diligent and might
have missed the signals. If you don't allow the car to merge, the driver might try to merge behind you and
crash into the car behind you. You might get caught in a collision you could have easily prevented.
LOOK OUT FOR: Vehicles Taking Your Right-of-Way at Intersections

Another common hazard is a vehicle that is taking your right-of-way at an intersection. There is a set of
right-of-way rules that all vehicles should follow. By doing so you decrease the likelihood of a collision.
 A vehicle going straight has the right-of-way over a vehicle turning left.
 A vehicle with a left turn arrow (a type of protected turn, discussed further in Ch. 12) has the right-
of-way over a vehicle going straight.
 A vehicle already in the intersection has the right-of-way over other vehicles just getting there.
 At a 4-way stop ( a type of controlled intersection, discussed further in Ch. 12), the driver reaching
the intersection first gets to go first.
 When two or more cars arrive at an intersection at the same time, the right-of-way should be given
to the car on the right.
 At an intersection where there are no traffic signs or signals (an uncontrolled intersection, discussed
further in Ch. 12), the vehicle on your right has the right-of-way and should go first.
 Vehicles entering a main road from a minor road, private road or driveway must yield to all traffic
and pedestrians on the main road.
These laws are intended to clarify any confusion at an intersection. Unfortunately, some road users might
overlook these right-of-way laws or simply forget. Imagine you are the first to reach a four-stop intersection.
Another car drives up to the intersection a few seconds after you. You are about to step on the gas pedal
when you realize that the other driver has decided to start accelerating. Instead of accelerating yourself,
yield to the other driver. Even though you do have the right-of-way, the other driver has refused to grant it
to you. Don't risk a collision to prove a point! Since you were scanning the road, you noticed the other
driver accelerating. If you were not using this defensive driving technique, you could have risked a collision.
Defensive driving coupled with common sense saved you from a crash!
LOOK OUT FOR: Inattentive Driver or Erratic Driving

In many senses, the greatest hazards are inattentive drivers or those driving erratically. Inattentive drivers
are most often distracted drivers. These are the drivers who are fiddling with the radio or their GPS. They
might be daydreaming about the rest of their day, about a trip they have planned or about what they are
going to have for lunch. Obviously, these thoughts are not more important than the task at hand - driving. If
you are a skilled driver you can easily spot an inattentive or distracted driver. These drivers might make
unsafe turns or nearly run red lights. Since they are distracted, they are not scanning the road for potential
hazards. They might not notice a car pulling out of a parking spot. They might miss that palm tree branch
that broke off last night. A defensive driver will notice these signs and try to avoid the distracted driver. If he
or she didn't see that huge tree branch, how do you know he or she will see you when you try to switch
lanes? Avoid these drivers. Don't try to drive behind them or in front of them. If you are driving behind them,
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you might want to consider changing lanes. They might finally notice an obstacle and brake without any
warning. You could then be responsible for rear-ending the other driver. Avoid driving next to them as well.
The distracted driver might decide to swerve to avoid something on the road, but forget to scan the area for
other drivers. Driving in close proximity to these drivers is a hazard. You have already seen that they are
not paying attention. Avoid these drivers as you would any other hazard.
While some drivers are distracted others might be erratic. By definition, erratic drivers are unpredictable.
They are most often under the influence of a substance, be it drugs or alcohol. This is a terrifying
possibility: an intoxicated person in charge of a ton of metal, glass, and plastic. Scan the road for these
drivers, especially if you are driving late at night. Erratic drivers tend to swerve in and out of lanes for no
apparent reason. They might also be driving well-below or well-above the speed limit. Remember, their
ability to sense speed is distorted. They might be driving well-below the speed limit, thinking they are being
inconspicuous. Also keep in mind that erratic drivers, particularly intoxicated ones, have a slow reaction
time. If they come across a hazard, they might brake a few seconds too late or swerve into an adjacent
lane to prevent a collision. They are not going to be alert and might collide into the vehicle next to them. In
many ways, these drivers are worse than inattentive drivers because they are under the influence of a
substance. It is physically and biologically impossible for them to react to other hazards in an appropriate
time frame. While an inattentive driver might "wake up" after a near-collision incident, intoxicated drivers
cannot. If you are driving behind or in front of one of these drivers, change lanes. If possible, pull aside and
call 911 to report the erratic driver. He or she is risking the safety and life of all road users.
WHAT TO DO? Scan for Hazards before Making Lane Changes

If there are hazards while you are driving in your own lane, you have to be even more cautious when
switching lanes. Changing lanes is one of the most common driving maneuvers but also one of the most
dangerous. If you have to switch lanes to avoid a hazard, scan the other lanes for potential hazards too.
55
Make sure you're not going to cut anyone off when you do switch lanes. Don't become a hazard for other
drivers!
Pablo is driving down the freeway and as we have seen he can be a careless driver. It's not on purpose,
he's just easily distracted. At one point he decides he needs to change lanes. He looks in his rearview
mirror and his side mirrors, but forgets to check his blind spots. He begins to veer into the next lane when a
car starts honking at him. If the other driver had not been alert and scanning for hazards, there could have
been a collision! Scanning the road is crucial when changing lanes. You don't want to be the hazard on the
road! You also want to avoid potential hazards such as speeding cars. Before you change lanes always
check your mirrors and your blind spots. Remember, if a car is right next to you the only way you can see it
is if you turn your head. As we saw with Pablo, the mirrors are essential but never enough. Don't simply
rely on your mirrors! A defensive driver can anticipate hazards but also avoids being the hazard herself.
TEST YOURSELF
1. What is the best way to deal with a distracted driver?
WHAT TO DO? Cover the Brake

When we think about driving, we usually think about moving and reaching our destination. This, of course,
is done by pressing the gas pedal. Naturally, we know we will brake but usually at red lights or stop signs.
Defensive driving however should be a fine balance consisting of braking, accelerating and covering the
brake. What is "covering the brake?" Covering the brake means holding your foot above the brake pedal,
without actually touching it, in case you need to brake. You obviously don't need to cover the brake the
entire time you are driving. You do have to accelerate to move!
When you approach an intersection however you should always cover the brake. Intersections are the
most dangerous areas of the road. Imagine you are driving on a two way road. You approach an
intersection where your light is green and instead of covering the brake, you continue at the same speed.
Suddenly, a car from the opposite side decides to make a left turn, directly in front of you. You have to slow
down! If your foot isn't already covering the brake, you may not have enough time to slow down to avoid a
collision. While the other driver should have been more cautious with his or her turn, you could have
avoided the problem by being prepared with your foot covering the brake. Every time you approach an
intersection, reduce your speed and scan the intersection left, center and right before crossing. It doesn't
matter if the intersection is controlled or not. Stay safe! Don't rely on traffic lights, traffic signs and other
drivers respecting these lights and signs.
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Not only should you cover the brake when approaching an intersection, but anytime you see a hazard up
ahead. Maria's adventures on the road offer the perfect example. Maria is on her way to visit John. As
she's driving, she notices a cat scurrying across the road in the distance. She does what most drivers
would do. She covers the brake and prepares to stop. The cat reaches the other side of the street and
Maria returns to her normal speed. Maria knows that if she recognizes a hazard she should cover the
brake. Defensive drivers not only scan for confused animals, but for all hazards. What is the point of
scanning the road for hazards if you are not going to slow down? Sometimes you can switch lanes, but
other times you can't. What if there is a car in the lane right next to you? If you don't have an escape route,
you have no choice but to slow down or stop. As soon as you recognize a hazard, cover the brake! Be
ready to slow down and when that is not enough, to stop.
TEST YOURSELF
1. Covering the brake means ______.
Using Modern Technology to be a Better Driver

All drivers rely on their senses and on their good judgment to drive well. Modern technology however has
introduced some great aids. These aids are especially useful in helping drivers see better. Don't hesitate to
use these aids! There are limitations to what the human body can do, but these aids help diminish them.
Sunglasses
While sunglasses are not an invention of the 21st century, they have dramatically improved over time. Over
the years, the lenses have become clearer allowing for greater visual clarity and comfort. Why use them
while driving? Sunglasses are more than just fashion accessories. They are wonderful and simple driving
aids. When driving on a bright day, the rays from the sun could feel as though they are blinding. Bright
sunlight can hinder your ability to drive safely. The glare from the sun could prohibit you from seeing
oncoming traffic, traffic control devices and especially pedestrians. Wearing sunglasses will help reduce
this temporary blindness.
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Auto Designed Water Repellent on the Windshield
Traditionally, when drivers saw drops of rain, they would switch on their windshield wipers. Some
windshield wipers worked better than others. Windshield wipers could become a problem if you had not
washed your car in some time. Windows can be dirtier and grimier than they appear in dry weather. Once it
starts raining, you can see the dirt rolling down. If you activate your windshield wipers when the windows
are dirty, you will spread the grime and make it harder to see. As windshield wipers are not equally
effective, people started considering alternatives. One such alternative became the water repellent. What is
a water repellent? Just as its name implies, it's a product that repels water. It coats a car's windshield so
that it becomes a very smooth surface; so smooth that water beads and rolls off. If you activate your
windshield wipers, however, they can create a mist behind the blade. Generally, water repellents are a
great aid to help you see better in the rain.
Convex and Panoramic Mirrors

All cars come equipped with rearview mirrors and passenger-side mirrors. They have been installed by
manufacturers to help you see better, however they also create two areas known as blind spots - those
areas around your car that you cannot see. Two recent innovations can help reduce and possibly eliminate
these blind spots.
Convex mirrors: Convex mirrors or wide angle mirrors virtually eliminate blind spots. They are especially
useful when you are passing or changing lanes. Even if your car does not come equipped with convex
mirrors, you can easily install one. Most automobile parts stores will have a variety of convex mirrors to
choose from. Pick one that will fit on your existing mirror. In most cases, all you need to install the convex
mirror is some double-sided tape. If you do choose to install a convex mirror, be careful! These mirrors
have distorting effects on distance perception. "Objects in mirror are closer than they appear"!
Panoramic Mirrors: Panoramic rear-view mirrors eliminate all blind spots. Just like panoramic pictures,
these mirrors give you a wider range of vision, allowing you to see everything that is happening behind you
and beside you. Similar to convex mirrors, panoramic rear-view mirrors are easy to install. You can find
them at most auto supply stores and all you need to do is clip them on your present mirror.
Audible Back-up Warning Devices

Driving aids are now audible as well! When backing up, it can be difficult to gauge how far or how close an
object is. It's also difficult for a driver to determine if a new object has appeared behind the car. A good
driver will check behind the car before backing up, but there is still a gap between checking and starting to
back up. Another object or even a person, especially a child, has the opportunity to run behind a car. Can
you ever be sure that the path is safe and clear? Until recently, the only way you could ensure an
absolutely safe path was if a passenger was guiding you. In recent years, many car companies have added
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another feature to their cars. Some newer cars come equipped with audible back-up warning devices.
These devices use radar technology to detect obstacles behind a vehicle. The devices start beeping if the
vehicle gets too close to an object. These driving aids reduce the chances of any unfortunate collisions, be
it colliding into a person or bumping into a car parked behind you. If your car does not come with this
device, there are some devices that can be purchased and installed.
Knowing When to Give Up your Right-of-way

Right-of-way rules try to simplify the concept of "right-of-way" into "black and white," easy to understand
situations. They tell us which car should go and which car should wait. But even with all those rules, right-
of-way situations still have a lot of gray area that is based on the driver's point of view. The way one driver
sees a situation makes it obvious to him that he should go ahead, and the way the other driver sees the
situation makes it clear to her that she should go through. They can't both go through. So what do you do
when you find yourself in this kind of situation?
Keep in mind that the ultimate goal when driving is not about being right or proving that the other driver was
wrong. The goal is to avoid all collisions and keep everyone safe, even if it means giving up your right-of-
way. Does it seem unfair to give up your well deserved right-of-way to another driver? Well think about it
this way: Who cares if you are right, if you end up in a crash to prove it? What if you or your loved one died
in a crash because you insisted you were right and forced your way through a situation when the other
driver was not giving you the right-of-way? Does it still seem unfair?
Let's go through some common situations and examine how you can decide when it is not worth fighting for
your right-of-way. Do these sound familiar?
1. As you approach a construction zone ahead, you attempt to merge into the lane next to you in the
standard alternating from each lane method, but the driver that is supposed to give you the right-of-
way, insists on going ahead. We suggest that you let him go, and don't get angry about it. Save
your energy for more important problems.
2. As your signal light turns green and you prepare to move forward, you see several cars that are still
trying to make a left turn on the red. Inconsiderate and stupid? Yes! Should you barrel through the
intersection because you have a green light? No! Charging at them will either guarantee a crash or
the start of an angry fight with another driver. Let them continue; it will only take a few seconds.
3. A pedestrian crosses the road in front of you with no regard to the nearby crosswalk or your
approaching vehicle. It's technically your right-of-way. But should you take it? Absolutely not! How
will you explain to the officer your reason for hitting the pedestrian? What if the pedestrian dies?
4. You are trying to exit your driveway, which is on a busy street. Legally there is no law that stops you
from exiting the driveway and making a left turn, but traffic is always bumper to bumper in the
morning and nobody is giving you the right-of-way to cross the lanes and make your turn. Should
you inch your way forward and insist that traffic stops so you can make your turn? Not a good idea.
Even if it seems unfair for you to lose the ability to make your turn, you have to consider the
difficulty of the situation and find a way to enter traffic and go to the right (a much easier move) and
go around the block.
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Driving is a social situation where black and white rules don't always solve the situation or tell the full story.
What would you do if a very large group of people with guns were walking down the street towards you and
didn't bother to move over to allow you room to pass by? Would you stand your ground, insisting that you
pass, and risk conflict with the armed bandits? Or would you move over and patiently wait for them to
pass?
Next time you find yourself in a situation where another driver is not giving you the right-of-way (even
though the rules say he has to), imagine that the other driver is that armed group of people, and let it go.
You get to avoid a crash, continue with your day and go home to tell your family and friends about the
crazy and rude driver you escaped. Doesn't that sound better than telling them how you insisted on taking
the right-of-way, as you lay in your hospital bed or in court?
Defensive drivers take the necessary steps to anticipate road conditions and the movements of other
drivers. These drivers are prepared for almost any situation and they are ready to deal with the
unexpected. By using defensive driving techniques you can reduce your chances of a collision. Defensive
drivers are also the ideal road users. The measures they take preserve not just their own safety but also
the safety of those around them.
TEST YOURSELF
1. You should give up your right-of-way when ______.
Chapter 8: Collision Avoidance

In states such as California, where there is not much of a public transportation system, most people spend
a big portion of their day driving. In these states, the number of collisions can be higher. While it's
impossible to stop all collisions from happening, there are ways to decrease the number of collisions and
your chances of being involved in one. Don't be a statistic!
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Collision Statistics
Collision statistics show some promising overall trends. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA), the number of collision related fatalities in 2015 is significantly lower than 2005.
Experts believe the overall decrease can be attributed to tougher laws and improved safety features on
newer cars. In 2015 an average of 96 people died each day in a car crash; that is one every 15 minutes.
While this is an improvement over previous decades, the recent upswing of deaths and injuries on
California roads shows us that the road remains a dangerous place. In 2015 there were 2348 more people
killed and 105,000 more people injured than in 2014. Experts aren’t sure what is causing this.
(Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2017. Summary of Motor Vehicle Crashes, Table
2. Persons Killed or Injured, and Fatality and Injury Rates per Population, Licensed Drivers, Registered
Vehicles, Miles Traveled 1966–2015)
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California
Our remarkable state of California is truly a unique place to live and drive. We love our beaches, our
natural parks, and the amazing weather. It’s no wonder we have the highest population and we drive the
most miles over any other state. We also have the second highest death rate from automobile crashes
(Texas is #1).
In 2004 there were a total of 4094 collision deaths in California. Deaths and injuries from car collisions
continued to decrease year after year and just 6 years later, we had an all-time low of only 2739 collision
deaths in 2010. Unfortunately, in 2011 the death toll started to creep up again and had increased to 2835.
It increased again in 2012, 2013, 2014, and in 2015 had increased to 3176 deaths. Each year more of our
friends, family and neighbors are dying on the road. What’s happening? Experts aren’t sure yet.
(Source: California Highway Patrol, 2016. Annual Report of Fatal and Injury Motor Vehicle Traffic
Collisions. Table 1A. Fatal Collisions by Month, 2004-2013)
(Source: Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, 2017. http://www.iihs.org/iihs/topics/t/general-

statistics/fatalityfacts/state-by-state-overview)
Type of Violation
 Alcohol and Drugs (DUI): Year after year hundreds are killed by people driving under the influence
of drugs or alcohol. It is, in fact, the leading cause of traffic fatalities in California. In 2003, drunk
driving killed 1,274 people. The number steadily decreased every year until it reached 1,072 deaths
and 24,343 injuries in 2010. But in 2011, the death toll unfortunately started climbing up again. In
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2013 it was back up to 1,197 deaths. Oddly enough, injuries continued to decrease slightly in 2011,
2012 and 2013. DUI remains the number one cause of traffic fatalities in California.
Collisions. Table 5B. Persons Killed and Injured in Alcohol Involved Collisions by Month, 1999-
2003)
Collisions. Table 5B. Persons Killed and Injured in Alcohol Involved Collisions by Month, 2009-
2013)
 Right-of-way: Whether drivers don't understand or knowingly don't follow right-of-way rules, such
as who should go first at a four-way stop, a minor collision is almost sure to follow. The good news
is that right-of-way collisions are less deadly than the other top violations, but they did cause the
second most injuries in 2013; 24,247 injuries total. That's double the injuries caused by DUI.
Collisions. Table 7A. Fatal and Injury Collisions by Primary Collision Factor, 2009-2013)
 Improper Turns: You might not think making an improper turn would be one of the biggest
contributing factor to collisions, but the statistics show otherwise. Improper turns, such as unsafe
left or right turns or making a turn from the wrong lane, account for the second most number of
deaths and the greatest number of injuries. In 2013, for example, 544 people were killed and
21,863 people were injured because a driver made an improper turn.
 Speeding: Driving at unsafe speeds is another, less surprising factor causing collisions. In 2013,
436 people were killed as a result of speeding and 48,050 people were injured. That makes it the
#1 cause of car crash injuries.
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Time of Day
Statistics also illustrate that the highest number of collisions is related directly to the number of vehicles on
the road. You are more likely to get into a collision if there are more vehicles that you can collide with.
Generally, there are fewer people driving in the very early hours of the morning, such as 4am. This is also
when you see the least number of collisions. More people are out on the road on the weekends and it
should come as no surprise that most collisions occur on weekends. The additional challenge of driving on
the weekends is that you are more likely to encounter a drunk driver. All of this contributes to the number of
fatalities each month. And it should not be surprising that holidays account for an increase in collisions.
For example, 39 people were killed and 1786 people were injured on New Year’s Eve alone (2012-2013
holiday period).
Collisions. Table 70. Persons Killed and Injured During Holiday Periods 2009-2013)
Age Groups
Particular age groups are also more likely to be driving when a collision occurs. In 2013 Drivers between
the ages of 20-24 are more likely to be drivers in fatal collisions. One might think that it would be the
youngest drivers who just got their license, but that is not the case. While there are fewer drivers in the first
age group of 15-19, it may also be that they are more cautious as new drivers. After a few years of driving,
however, these drivers appear to become over-confident and reckless. We also have to consider the
impact that alcohol must have. It is when a driver is in this age group that he or she can legally drink. With
little experience drinking and understanding drinking limits, they are more likely to get behind the wheel
after a long night of drinking and socializing.
Collisions. Table 3B Drivers in Fatal and Injury Collisions by Age Compared to Licensed Drivers in
California)
Gender
Even gender appears to determine who is more likely to be involved in collisions. In 2013, 1683 male
drivers in California were at fault for fatal collisions vs. 475 females. This is consistent with our knowledge
of gender differences, where males are more aggressive and willing to take extreme chances with their
driving. It could also be that they are more likely to stay out socializing with friends and drive under the
influence. Whatever the case might be, it calls for male drivers to be more cautious.
With injury collisions the difference between male and female drivers is smaller; 85,150 injury crashes were
caused by male drivers while 51,507 injury crashes were caused by female drivers. While they may not be
driving as destructively as their male counterparts, these numbers tell us that some female drivers are still
making moderately poor driving decisions.
Collisions. Table 3B Drivers in Fatal and Injury Collisions by Age Compared to Licensed Drivers in
California)
Personal Liability Immunity (Health and Safety Code 1799.102)

A good Samaritan who offers medical or non-medical care in a responsible manner at the scene of an
emergency cannot be sued for any liable damages.
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TEST YOURSELF
1. What is the leading cause of traffic fatalities in California?
2. What is the leading cause of injuries in traffic collisions in California?
United States
Fatalities due to traffic collisions have decreased overall not just in California but in the United States as a
whole. While some of this is due to a greater awareness of road rules, this positive shift in the statistics can
also be attributed to the dramatic increase in the use of seat belts. The NHTSA estimates that in 2015,
87% of the population used seat belts. They also estimated that over 12,000 lives were saved because of
seat belt use. Furthermore, over half of the people who were killed in traffic collisions in 2012 might have
survived if they had been wearing seat belts. These statistics highlight the importance of being properly
belted while in a moving car. But just as in California, questions remain. What is the cause of so many of
these collisions? How can we avoid them and keep each other safe? (Source: NHTSA, 2015 Traffic Safety
Facts FARS/GES Annual Report, 2017)
Type of Violation
DUI and speeding: In 2015, speeding was a major factor in all collisions where at least one person died.
In fact, 27% of all fatal crashes that year can be blamed on speeding. Translated into the number of human
lives, this means 9,557 people were killed because of a speeding driver in the United States. The NTHSA
has also determined that there is a relationship between speeding and driving under the influence. In 2015,
45% of all speeding drivers in fatal crashes had been drinking, compared to 20% non-speeding drivers
involved in fatal crashes. What does this mean? Drivers who have been drinking are more likely to speed
and then cause a deadly crash because of it. (Source: NHTSA, Traffic Safety Facts: Speeding, 2017)
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Distracted Driving: According to www.distraction.gov, distracted driving was also another huge factor in
collisions. At any given daylight moment in the US, approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or
manipulating electronic devices while driving. That is a lot of drivers that are putting everyone around them
at risk.
10% of all fatal collisions and 17% of injury collisions could be blamed on distracted driving. In 2015, there
were 3,477 people killed and 391,000 injured because a driver was not completely focused on driving.
About 14% of these deaths (442) were because at least one of the drivers was using a cell phone.
Not surprisingly, the age of a driver has a big impact on whether they will drive distracted. Drivers in their
20s are most likely to drive while distracted. In 2015, 27% of distracted drivers in fatal crashes were in this
age group.
(Source: NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts, 2017: Distracted Driving in 2015)
Time of Day
Just like California, most collisions in the United States happen in the warmer months when people drive
more. In 2015, there were more fatal crashes in August than in any other month. One might assume that
December or January would have the highest numbers because of the winter holidays and poor weather.
However, year after year, August proves to be the most deadly month to drive in the US. It should come as
little surprise though that the most dangerous time of day to drive is between midnight and 3am, on a
Saturday or Sunday. It's during the weekends that most people go out to socialize and it's during the
weekends that more people are likely to drive under the influence of a substance, thus increasing the
likelihood of a collision. (Source: NHTSA, 2015 Traffic Safety Facts FARS/GES Annual Report, 2017)
Age Groups
Driving-related fatalities have had some devastating effects on the younger portion of the population. Much
of this is related to the inexperience and foolish boldness of younger drivers. Some of this is alcohol-related
though. You must be 21 to drink legally in all 50 states, yet in 2015, 36% of all fatal crashes involved young
drivers (between the ages of 16-20) who had a blood alcohol concentration of .01% or more. Since it is
illegal to drink at this age, this number should be 0! Once someone has started drinking, especially
someone from this inexperienced age group, they are more likely to make poor decisions like speeding,
inappropriate passing, running red lights, etc. This makes the road a dangerous place for all.
While these younger drivers are a problem, it is the age group above them that are a more serious
concern. From 1982 to 2015, the newly legal drinking age group (21-24 year-olds) have consistently
caused the most alcohol-fueled fatal crashes in the United States. Even while the general trend was a
decrease in overall drunk driving crashes, these young people are always at the top of the list. It’s not hard
to imagine why. Decision making skills and maturity have not yet fully developed in this group, and what
little they have is muffled by the loud voice of the alcohol in their system.
(Source: NHTSA, 2015 Traffic Safety Facts FARS/GES Annual Report, 2017)
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On the other end of the spectrum, older drivers (all drivers above the age of 65) appear to be the safest
drivers. The population of people 65 and older increased by 29 percent from 2006 to 2015; however, driver
fatalities in crashes involving older drivers increased by only 3 percent over this period.
In 2015 most traffic fatalities in crashes involving older drivers occurred during the daytime (74%), on
weekdays (70%), and involved other vehicles (67%). This is a sharp contrast to the statistics of fatal
crashes involving all other drivers, which was 49 percent during the daytime, 59 percent on weekdays, and
44 percent involving another vehicle. This could be because older drivers are on the road more during the
day than at night, and they drive slower and more cautiously than younger drivers who can be impatient
and aggressive with the older drivers.
(Source: NHTSA, 2015 Traffic Safety Facts: Older Population, 2017)
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Gender
According to the NHTSA, young male drivers continue to be the most reckless drivers. In 2015 nationwide,
32% of both 15-20 year old and 21-24 year old males who were involved in fatal crashes were speeding. In
contrast, only 20% of 15-20 year old females and 19% of 21-24 year old females in fatal crashes were
speeding. This difference between the genders stays true regardless of the age group. So even gender
plays a part in the likelihood of collisions.
These numbers can be shocking and frightening, but there are steps you can take to avoid collisions.
(Source: NHTSA, 2015 Traffic Safety Facts FARS/GES Annual Report, 2017)
TEST YOURSELF
1. Which drivers are most likely to be in a deadly crash?
Common Causes of Collisions

What causes all these collisions? There are a variety of reasons, but common collisions happen because
drivers think certain violations are not "a big deal." Others may not understand the laws or just don't know
the law exists.
Unsafe Speed
The NHTSA has conducted a number of surveys and it appears that drivers have a lax approach to
speeding. Many drivers seem to think they are in a better position to judge the proper speed limit. In other
words, 75% of drivers admitted to driving over the speed limit because they thought it was safe.
(Source: NTSA, National Survey of Speeding and Unsafe Driving Attitudes and Behaviors: 2002)
What Is an Unsafe Speed?

California’s Basic Speed Law says that anytime you are driving faster than the conditions allow, you are
driving at an unsafe speed. For example, even if the speed limit is 55mph, you should be driving slower if
it’s raining. The posted speed limit is meant for perfect weather, road and driving situations. If you are
driving in traffic, if visibility is low, the weather conditions or the roads are poor, you are expected to slow
down. You can be cited for driving “too fast for conditions” even if you are driving at the speed limit in these
conditions.
Speed Limits for Designated Areas

As you probably have already noticed, different areas of the highway system require different speed limits
for everyone’s safety. Places that have a high concentration of slow pedestrians have a much lower speed
limit than an area with no pedestrians and no traffic lights. Traffic safety experts have taken into
consideration all these factors and have devised special speed regulations for the following areas:
Freeways: Freeways were designed to handle traffic of higher speeds. However, since you are sharing the
freeway with others you must remember that some vehicles are not able to move as fast as others. If very
high speeds were permitted for cars and other vehicles drove at much slower speeds, the risk of collisions
would increase. So a maximum speed that makes all of the different vehicles capable of sharing the same
road without conflict must be the posted limit. The maximum speed limit on most California freeways is 65
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mph. On some highways the maximum speed limit varies from 55 to 70 mph. Always pay attention to the
posted speed limit.
Two-lane Undivided Highways: The maximum speed limit is 55 mph unless the posted speed limit shows
otherwise. Slow moving vehicles moving at a speed less than the flow of traffic while on a two-lane
highway where passing is unsafe, must turn off the roadway at the nearest place designated as a turnout
or wherever sufficient area for a safe turnout exists if a line of 5 or more vehicles forms behind them (VC
21656).
Residential Zones: Because of the large number of pedestrians in residential zones the maximum speed
limit ("Prime Facie") is 25 mph.
Business Districts: Also, because of the large number of pedestrians the maximum speed limit ("Prime
Facie") is 25 mph.
School Zones: Always drive more carefully near schools, playgrounds, and parks because children may
suddenly dart into the street. Near a school, the speed limit is 25 mph while children are outside or crossing
the street. No matter what the speed limit sign states, you should never drive faster than 25 mph when the
school ground has no fence and children are outside.
Senior Areas: Certain areas around senior citizen centers or senior activity centers may be marked with a
“Senior” warning sign. You must obey a 25 mph speed limit in these areas.
Uncontrolled Blind Intersections: Uncontrolled blind intersections are those where you cannot see for
100 feet in either direction (left or right) during the last 100 feet before crossing including alleys. As you
approach an uncontrolled blind intersection the speed limit is reduced to 15 mph. You must also reduce
your speed to 15 mph when you approach within 100 feet of a railroad crossing when you cannot see 400
feet in both directions (left or right).
Speed Limits for Designated Vehicles

Some vehicles are required to observe a lower speed limit of 55 mph on highways. Three or more axle
trucks, a vehicle hauling a trailer or towing another vehicle, a school bus transporting students, a farm labor
vehicle transporting passengers or a vehicle transporting explosives all have to obey a reduced speed limit.
These vehicles are also required to use designated lanes when such lanes are available or the right hand
lane when these lanes are not available. It is important not to be upset by their reduced speed and instead
try to work with them. They may have to further reduce their speed in certain circumstances such as hills.
Driving Too Slow

Driving at an unsafe speed does not apply to speeding alone. The Minimum Speed Law tells us that driving
too slow is also dangerous and illegal! You could become an obstacle to other drivers and cause a
collision. If you insist on driving slower than the traffic around you, you must drive in the farthest right lane.
Speed and Stopping Distance

While stopping time may seem short, when you consider the fact that you are often traveling at great
speeds, total stopping distance is actually rather long. The time it takes to see the danger depends on your
mental and physical state, how far ahead you are scanning the road and how quickly you identify the
danger. If all factors are at their best, it will take 3/4 of a second to see the danger and make a decision.
Acting on your decision requires another 3/4 of a second. It will take a total of 1 1/2 seconds for you to start
reducing your speed. This could take much longer depending on the driver.
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Total stopping distance is the distance you will travel from the moment the hazard appears until your
vehicle comes to a complete stop. For your vehicle to come to a complete stop, it will have traveled a
certain distance. Your experience and skill in braking, the mechanical condition of the vehicle, road
conditions and your speed are all factors in determining this distance. The most important factor, however,
is your speed. If you double your speed, the braking distance is quadrupled. This means that it will take
four times the distance to stop your car. If you don't have that much room in front of you, then a crash is
impossible to avoid. Give yourself the time and space to react to an obstacle or hazard.
How Does Speed Affect a Crash?

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the higher the speed you are traveling, the greater
the risk of serious injury or death in a crash. Vehicles and their occupants in motion have kinetic energy
that is released in a crash. This release of energy happens when the car hits another object, the occupants
hit the inside of the car, and their organs hit the inside of their chest wall. The greater the energy that must
be released, the greater the chances of severe injury or death.
How speed affects a crash:

 It increases the distance a vehicle travels from when a driver detects an emergency until the driver
reacts.
 It increases the distance needed to stop a vehicle once an emergency is perceived.
 Crash severity increases with speed. For example, when speed increases from 40 to 60 mph,
speed goes up 50 percent while the energy released in a crash more than doubles.
 Higher crash speeds reduce the ability of vehicles, restraint systems, and roadway hardware such
as guardrails, barriers, and impact attenuators to protect occupants.
TEST YOURSELF
1. If you double your driving speed what happens to your stopping distance (the distance it takes to stop
the car)?
Driving On the Wrong Side of the Road

It might seem obvious, but driving on the wrong side of the road automatically puts you in hazards way.
Most drivers end up in the wrong lane because they are trying to pass another vehicle or have made some
error while making a turn. These are mistakes that can be easily avoided.
Passing
If you are trying to pass another car, you can legally drive on the other side of the road, but only for a brief
time. Always keep in mind that this is a risky move! Make sure you have at least 10-12 seconds of space
between your car and the oncoming car before attempting to pass. And of course, never try to pass in
areas where passing is completely illegal such as railroad tracks and blind curves, etc. (Discussed further
in Ch. 6 and Ch. 12).
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Entering a Left Turn Lane Too Early
If you enter the left turn lane too early, you could find yourself driving on the wrong side of the street. Don't
enter the left turn lane until you see the markings. Otherwise you can get into a head-on collision with an
oncoming car.
Cutting the Corner on a Left Turn

When you are making a left turn, don't turn too soon and cut the corner of the lane for oncoming traffic. By
doing so, you are driving on the wrong side of the road and could end up in a head on collision.
Other Factors
While trying to pass or making a left turn might be the most common reasons for driving on the wrong side
of the road, other factors might also lead to this dangerous mistake. If you are drowsy, driving under the
influence of a substance, or distracted, such as by turning back to discipline your child, you could get into a
collision. Remain alert!
TEST YOURSELF
1. ______ is an example of driving on the wrong side of the road.
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Improper Turns
Many crashes happen because of improper turning. Follow the basic procedures for turning to avoid a
collision. First, plan your turn ahead of time. Signal 100ft before making the turn. Reduce your speed and
check your mirrors and blind spots. Turn only when it's safe. Are you correctly judging the distance
between yourself and the oncoming car? How about your distance from the pedestrian? Don't take
unnecessary risks! If you see a Do Not Turn sign, don't turn!
Right Turns
You can avoid a collision easily on a right turn. Always give the right-of-way to pedestrians. Obey the No
Right Turn on Red signs. If you come across one of these signs, don't take the turn, even if you don't see
any traffic. The sign has been posted for a reason; obey it.
Left Turns
If you are making a left turn, always give the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing on a green. Check the
other side of the road to ensure that pedestrians aren't crossing before you make the turn. Make sure that
you are properly gauging the distance between yourself and the oncoming car. A car might approach you
faster than you think. Make sure that the turn is safe before you start. If a car is making a right on the other
side of the road, they have the right-of-way. Yield to the cars turning right. Only make your turn when you
are confident you will avoid a collision, either with a pedestrian or another car.
U-turns
Avoiding illegal u-turns is one of the easiest ways to avoid a collision. Perfectly legal u-turns are already
tricky maneuvers. They require skill and experience to be completed successfully and safely. Illegal u-
turns, however, are even more dangerous. Many drivers make illegal u-turns in the middle of business
districts, unaware that these turns are illegal. Remember, these are already busy and congested roads. A
u-turn here could be deadly. Another common mistake made by drivers is making a u-turn in front of a fire
station or using the fire station driveway to make a turn. This endangers the firefighters who are racing to
reach the emergency, the people who are in an emergency and yourself.
Other Places Where U-turns are Illegal

 At or on a railroad crossing
 On a divided highway by crossing a dividing section, curb, strip of land, or two sets of double yellow
lines
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 Where you cannot see clearly 200 feet in each direction because of a curve, hill, rain, fog, or other
reason
 Where a “No U-Turn” sign is posted
 When other vehicles may hit you
 On a one-way street
 In front of a fire station or on the fire station driveway
 In business districts. Areas with churches, apartments, multiple dwelling houses, clubs, and public
buildings (except schools) are also considered to be business districts. Turn only at an intersection,
unless a sign prohibits it, or where openings are provided for turns
Violating Right-of-way Rules

Right-of-way rules are an integral part of the road. They are key to understanding the "rules of the game."
Because of right-of-way rules, drivers can anticipate other drivers' actions. Will the car to my right move
before I do? Should I yield to that driver? Without right-of-way rules, drivers would have to deal with chaotic
and confusing roads. It is no wonder then that collisions occur when people are not aware of the right-of-
way rules or simply refuse to follow them.
Drivers should also remember that abiding by the right-of-way rules does not only mean you let a
pedestrian cross or you respect a bicycle lane. You might yield to these road users, but if you pass a stop
sign without stopping you are not respecting another driver's right-of-way. By obeying all the signs and
signals you are following ALL the rules of the game. Remember, everyone has to follow all the rules, all
the time, in order for this game to work.
Pedestrians
Pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users. Pedestrians account for 17% of all traffic fatalities.
Everyone using any kind of vehicle, be it a car, a motorcycle or a bicycle should respect a pedestrian's
right-of-way. If you are making a right turn, always make sure the pedestrian has safely reached the other
side of the street before making the turn. Don't inch up next to them hoping they'll walk faster or hoping
you'll make that turn a few seconds earlier. And do not stop in the crosswalk. That is the pedestrian's safety
zone. That ton of metal, glass, and plastic you are maneuvering can have a devastating impact on a
pedestrian.
Remember that pedestrians have the right-of-way when crossing at corners or other crosswalks, even if the
crosswalk is in the middle of the block. This also applies to street corners with or without traffic lights, and
whether or not the crosswalks are marked by painted lines. You must stop for them and allow them to
safely cross before moving. Be especially careful when you are exiting a driveway. Creep up to the
sidewalk slowly. You never know when somebody might be jogging by or when a skateboarder might come
jetting in front of you. If you quickly emerge out of the driveway onto the sidewalk you could easily miss
these pedestrians and collide into them. At best, these pedestrians could suffer injuries or depending on
your speed, they could be killed.
Intersections
More than 45% of all collisions occur in intersections. Furthermore, intersection collisions account for 21%
of traffic fatalities. Signals and signs are in place but they are obviously being overlooked or ignored by a
portion of the population. Consider an intersection with a four-way stop sign. If a driver is unaware of the
right-of-way rule, he or she might stop briefly and continue driving, even if other cars are already at the
intersection. Another driver who had first reached the intersection would have correctly assumed that he or
she had the right-of-way and drive into the intersection. Unless one of these two drivers was cautious and
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alert, a collision could happen. Since intersections are so complicated, drivers can only avoid collisions by
following the right-of-way rules.
(Source: http://dmv.ca.gov/pubs/hdbk/right_of_way.htm)
Other Right-of-way Situations

There are numerous other right-of-way situations that require drivers to follow these rules to avoid
devastating collisions. Not knowing or following the right-of-way rules regarding school buses could have
the most horrific outcome. Remember, if you approach a school bus with flashing red lights, you have to
STOP unless you are on the opposite side of a physical barrier or divider such as a divided highway or
multi-lane highway. The flashing red lights mean that passengers, most often children, are getting on or off
the bus. If a driver overlooks these lights or forgets to stop, he or she could easily hit a child, seriously
injuring or even killing the child (Discussed further in Ch. 12).
TEST YOURSELF
1. Pedestrians have the right-of-way at ______.
Stop Signs and Signals

How often has this happened to you? You are driving down a residential street. You're in a hurry or are
simply feeling lazy. You approach a stop sign, brake a little, but decide to keep driving instead of stopping
completely. You think to yourself: "I know this street. There's never anyone driving on this street. If
someone does approach the intersection, they should be driving slowly. I'll be able to see them and stop if I
have to. Why bother stopping?"
Stop signs are not a suggestion; they are a rule! Even if the stop sign is in a quiet residential neighborhood,
you have to stop! You might think you can see all the traffic that is at the intersection or approaching the
intersection. You never know when another vehicle might come speeding through the intersection (just like
you). Or what if another vehicle has stopped a few feet behind the line and you can't see them until it's too
late? If you don't stop you could be involved in a head-on collision.
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Purpose of Stops
Stops and traffic signals are not arbitrary additions to the road. Traffic engineers take many factors into
consideration when they decide to add a stop sign or traffic sign to an intersection. They chart and analyze
the amount of traffic going through a particular intersection. They also assess a driver's visibility at the
intersection. Are there many large, old trees interfering with the visibility of a corner? Well, the solution is
not to cut down every tree at every intersection in California. The stop sign is intended to ensure that all
drivers at that particular intersection have a chance to see and be seen. Right-of-way rules then guide
drivers as to when they should drive ahead. In order for the stop sign to serve its purpose, you must stop
completely!
Rolling Stops
What is a rolling stop? A rolling stop happens when a vehicle does not stop all the way at a stop sign or
signal, but instead rolls through. Just because you don't see another car, doesn't mean one isn't there. The
only way you can be sure, and in fact the only way you can avoid a collision, is if you come to a complete
stop. There is a reason why traffic engineers decided to place that stop sign there. Don't try to find out why
by rolling through the stop and getting into a collision!
Running a Yellow or Red Light

It happens so often. You are approaching an intersection and the light turns yellow. Do you stop or do you
go? You should always think about safety first. You should always try to stop at a yellow light. Just as you
are eager to get through that intersection once the light has turned yellow, other drivers are eager to drive
ahead once their light turns green. This is a recipe for disaster. If you still have some distance before you
actually reach the intersection, stop. Don't think that you will "make the light". What if someone equally
anxious to get through is waiting on the other side? You will find yourself involved in a collision that you
could have easily avoided.
Distracted Driving
Just because the law only prohibits cell phone use and texting does not mean that other distractions are
safe. Any time you spend looking away from the road increases your chances of a collision. Even if you are
not doing anything else, something like drowsiness could have deadly results. For those couple of seconds
that you shut your eyes, you could end up driving on the wrong side of the road and into oncoming traffic.
Always stay alert and do not multitask. You are sitting behind the wheel to drive, not to do anything else. In
2013, the NHTSA listed distracted driving as the cause of 17% of all injury collisions. Don't join this 17%!
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Chapter 9: Road Rage and Aggressive Driving
John is having one of those days; everything is going wrong. Before leaving for work, he spilled coffee on
his new shirt. Busy with changing into a clean shirt, he forgot about an important meeting at work and
arrived too late. Early in the afternoon he received a phone call from his son's school, informing him that his
son was misbehaving in class. What else could go wrong? By 5pm John is ready to leave and get home.
Unfortunately, it's not going to be that easy. There was a collision on the freeway and the roads are
jammed up. He gets off the on-ramp and quickly discovers that this is going to take a very long time. As
soon as he gets on, an aggressive driver cuts him off. John starts getting agitated. As more time passes,
he becomes increasingly frustrated. He starts honking his horn at everyone who tries to change their lane
around him. He is reluctant to let anyone pass. He is cursing, making gestures, and making an already
bad situation worse. Fortunately, John realizes that he is overreacting and calms down before his
aggressive driving escalates. Who was the problem in this scenario? John and his aggressive driving are
one problem, but so is the other aggressive driver who is cutting him off. What's the difference between the
two? There really is no difference; they are both guilty of aggressive driving.
WHAT IS AGGRESSIVE DRIVING?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines aggressive driving as "when individuals commit
a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property." Speeding, tailgating
(following too closely), erratic and sudden lane changes, and failing to obey traffic signs and signals are all
examples of aggressive driving. Both John and the other driver in the examples above are driving
aggressively.
(Source: NHTSA Aggressive Driving Campaign)
WHAT IS ROAD RAGE?

Unlike aggressive driving, road rage is a criminal offense and a form of assault. Road rage is attempting to
injure or kill another driver because of an incident on the road. Road rage became a problem in the United
States in the 1980s, with the increasing road congestion. Some people actually got out of their cars and
started fighting or shooting each other on a regular basis! If the situation with John escalated to the point
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that he followed the other driver and tried to harm him or put him in danger it would be considered road
rage.
(Source: AAA Foundation Aggressive Driving Study)
Faces of Road Rage

In Seattle, Washington, Terrance Milton Hall, age 57, shot and killed Steven Burgess, a 21-year-old college
student, because Burgess couldn't disarm the loud anti-theft alarm on his jeep.
In the Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C., in April of 1996, Narkey Keval Terry and Billy Canipe, both 26,
began dueling in their cars as they drove up the George Washington Parkway. Traveling at speeds of up to
80 miles per hour, the cars crossed the median of the parkway and hit two oncoming vehicles. Only one of
the four drivers involved in the crash survived; Terry was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in the
incident.
In October of 1999, a Las Vegas woman was indicted after she allegedly cut off a tractor-trailer that was
driving too slow, and then slammed on her brakes. A motorcyclist following that truck crashed into it and
died of massive head injuries.
In February of 2000, an unidentified man got out of his car after a fender bender in San Jose, California. He
approached the other driver, reached inside her car, grabbed her dog and threw it into oncoming traffic.
The dog was run over and killed.
Even people you would never expect to behave like this have been known to commit road rage. In
California, Oscar winner Jack Nicholson believed that the driver of a Mercedes-Benz cut him off in traffic.
The 57-year-old actor grabbed a golf club, stepped out of his car at a red light, and repeatedly struck the
windshield and roof of the Mercedes.
In 1995, Robin Ficker, 52, a prominent Maryland lawyer and former Maryland state legislator, was driving
his two sons to see his ailing father at Holy Cross Hospital. Suddenly Ficker's 1990 Jeep Cherokee
bumped into a newer model Jeep in front of him. The driver, Caroline Goldman, was six months pregnant.
Goldman reported that when she approached Ficker's car he became very agitated, pointing at her and
yelling. "He seemed to be out of control," she said, and reported that Ficker struck her in the face, breaking
her prescription sunglasses and giving her a black eye that lasted for ten days. Ficker was convicted of
battery and malicious destruction of property.
In Massachusetts, Donald Graham, a 54-year-old church deacon, saw Michael Blodgett, 42, flash his high
beams at another car and didn't like it. The two antagonized each other as Graham chased Blodgett's car
for seven miles on Interstate 95. When the men finally pulled off the freeway and got out of their vehicles,
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Graham retrieved a crossbow from his trunk and shot Blodgett in the chest. Blodgett bled to death; Graham
was sentenced to life in prison.
As you can see from these examples, the slightest mistake can trigger road rage. Sometimes it's triggered
by minor driving errors such as forgetting to signal before turning. Some causes of road rage then are
misunderstandings between drivers. One driver might think that the other driver deliberately didn't signal
before he turned, when in fact it was just a mistake. You might be thinking, "That would never happen to
me." Don't be so sure. How often do you find yourself weaving through traffic because you're late for an
important event? You justify your actions by telling yourself that you have no choice; you cannot be late.
Drivers around you don't know what your situation is or what you're thinking. You could be racing to get to
the hospital, but to them it looks like you have no respect for the road or other road users. You could anger
someone who is frustrated already with his or her day. This could trigger thoughts and behaviors they
would not normally have and even escalate into road rage.
It's not only other drivers who can overreact. How many times do you find yourself thinking another driver is
a rude or selfish driver? How often do you react to these thoughts? Once you start having these thoughts,
any situation could transform them into something much worse. If someone cuts you off, do you take it
personally and try to "teach him a lesson"? You could act on these thoughts and turn into the "road rage." If
you expect sympathy and understanding from other drivers, you should extend them the same courtesy.
California's Road Rage Law

Situations like this happen all the time and you should avoid them at all costs. Road rage incidents are so
common that the state of California passed a set of laws to address this problem. If you are convicted of
assaulting a person with a car, you can be imprisoned for one to four years, fined up to $10,000, or both.
The court can also suspend your license. For a first time road rage offense, your license can be suspended
for six months. If you are convicted for subsequent offences, your license could be suspended for one year.
Additionally, the court may order you to complete an anger management course.
TEST YOURSELF
1. ______ is an example of road rage.
2. ______ is an example of aggressive driving.
AVOID AN AGGRESSIVE DRIVING SITUATION

Every time you get in a car, you might encounter an aggressive driving situation. Sometimes you might be
the victim, and other times you might even become the aggressive driver. There are steps you can take to
avoid these situations.
Avoid Rush Hour

If you are someone with a particularly bad temper, you should avoid driving during rush hour. If you're
having a bad day or feel especially irritable, take some time to calm down. Don't get behind the wheel. You
never know what could happen if you're already feeling frustrated and then find yourself sitting in traffic.
Don't give yourself the opportunity to find out what you are capable of!
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Give Yourself Time
Allow yourself plenty of time to reach your destination especially if you are driving to an important event or
meeting. Nothing can be more aggravating than sitting in traffic when you know you have to be
somewhere.
Even if you are running late, don't turn into a rude driver. Don't cut off other drivers. Imagine you were in a
coffee shop, waiting in line to order your afternoon coffee. You have a meeting in a few minutes and the
line is reaching the door. Would you just cut in front of the line? No. Then why even consider it on the
road? Furthermore, you don't know the other driver's emotional state. Don't become a trigger that might set
off road rage!
Drive in the Appropriate Lane

If you know you are a slower driver, don't get in the fast lane (the farthest left lane). Everybody in the left
lane assumes they will be driving a little faster than the rest of traffic. Switching into the left lane and then
driving slowly is going to irritate other road users. Be considerate and switch into another lane. This not
only helps other drivers who drive at a different speed, but it's also safer for everyone on the road.
Don't Follow Too Closely

Tailgating is one of the most irritating things a driver can do. When you tailgate, it means you think the
other driver is driving too slowly. Do you actually think driving a couple inches behind them will make them
drive faster? How do you feel when someone tailgates you? Does it make you speed up, or does it make
you angry and annoyed. Remember, treat others the way you want to be treated.
When you are driving that close to the car in front of you, you could make the other driver nervous.
He or she might think, "What if he hits me when I stop?" If the flow of traffic changes and you are
tailgating, you might not have enough time to stop suddenly and safely, hitting the car in front of
you. The other driver, becoming increasingly anxious, might give you a taste of your own medicine
and slow down or make sudden stops. This doesn't help anyone. It increases the chances of a
collision and aggravates both drivers. If you would like to be driving faster, simply change your
lane.
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Don't Make Gestures
Do you regularly make gestures at people while you're walking down the street or while you're shopping?
Then why would you make them while you're in your car? Walking, shopping and driving are all social
situations and you should behave with the same level of courtesy in all social situations. Just because
you're in your car does not mean you can make rude gestures freely. If you think you can because you feel
safer in your car than walking down the street, you're wrong. Your car does not offer you the safety or the
right to be rude. Any situation could escalate rapidly and you could find yourself at the receiving end of an
aggressive situation.
Don't Use the Horn as a Weapon

When you're in a car, rude gestures can be made with your hands but also with your horn. The purpose of
your horn is to warn other drivers of an emergency or to inform them of your presence. You should not be
pounding on the horn because you're annoyed with another driver, you want them to drive faster or you
want them to get out of the way. Consider the noise that a horn makes. It can be grating on the ears and
upset even those drivers who were calm prior to then. Apart from the noise pollution, unnecessary use of
the horn can trigger road rage.
TEST YOURSELF
1. What can you do to lessen the chances of being in an aggressive driving situation?
CONTROL YOUR OWN EMOTIONS

Avoid Situations You Can't Handle
If you are someone with a bad temper, avoid driving during rush hour. Traffic can be frustrating for even the
calmest drivers, but for those with a temper it can be disastrous. And always give yourself more time to
reach your destination. You're less likely to get aggravated if you're not in a hurry. It might also prevent you
from blowing up if someone does cut you off.
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Relax
If you do find yourself getting agitated, try some techniques to calm down. Deep breathing is proven to help
calm nerves. Another relaxation technique is to breathe in counting to five, then breathe out counting to
five. This forces you to regulate the rate at which you breathe and is guaranteed to slow down your heart
rate.
Give Them the Benefit of the Doubt

Always give other drivers the benefit of the doubt. Remember the last time you cut someone off? Was it
deliberate or was it a mistake? In most of these situations, drivers misunderstand one another and because
they can't verbally communicate while they are in their cars, the situation escalates. In almost every
instance, the other driver did not mean to offend you so don't overreact.
DEALING WITH AGGRESSIVE DRIVERS

If you find yourself coming across an aggressive driver on the road, there are some measures you can take
to avoid a confrontation.
Avoid Eye Contact

Avoid making contact with the aggressive driver. Even if he or she appears to be getting more aggressive,
do not make eye contact. By acknowledging the driver or their actions you could aggravate the situation
even more. The driver can also misunderstand eye contact for a challenge. Just don't look them in the eye!
It may seem cowardly, but is this worth fighting for?
Do NOT Engage with the Aggressive Driver

If the situation does worsen, don't argue with the aggressive driver. He or she is ready to blow up. You
want to avoid it, and more importantly, you don't want to become a trigger. Arguing with aggressive drivers
or even engaging them can rapidly worsen the situation.
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Leave Plenty of Space
Give the angry driver plenty of space. Don't tailgate and don't cut him or her off. Remember, road rage is a
consequence of congestion. Don't further cramp into the angry driver's space by allowing only a few inches
between yourself and the driver.
Encountering someone with road rage can be a frightening and dangerous situation. It might be even more
frightening if you see yourself turning into a "road rager." If you find yourself getting angry take some
measures to calm down and avoid a traumatic event. If you come across an aggressive driver on the road,
take the necessary measures to stay out of their way. Our daily lives can be very stressful and driving often
just adds to this stress. Don't turn into another factor that already contributes to this stressful task. Stay
calm, stay considerate, and give other drivers the benefit of the doubt.
TEST YOURSELF
1. What can you do to protect yourself from an aggressive driver?
END OF SECTION 3
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SECTION 4
Chapter 10: Driving Distractions
WHAT IS DISTRACTED DRIVING?

Distracted driving is driving while doing other, non-driving activities at the same time. It means that you are
not giving driving your full attention, thus increasing your chances of a collision. The US Department of
Transportation lists three types of distractions:
1. Visual distraction: taking your EYES off the road

2. Manual distraction: taking your HANDS off the wheel
3. Cognitive Distraction: taking your MIND off driving
(Source: US Government website for Distracted Driving)
Think of your brain as a computer. If you open too many applications at once, it starts running slowly. It
takes longer to open a document or close a browser because you've given it too much to do at the same
time. Your brain works in the same way. If you are doing anything else while driving, your brain is weighed
down with too many activities. It means that you are doing each activity more slowly and it's going to take
you longer to react to any change on the road. A pedestrian could step off the sidewalk or another car
could change its lane. If you're distracted, you could miss the pedestrian or the car and get into a horrible
collision.
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We usually think of cell phones as the worst kind of distraction and this is true. Texting in particular is by far
the most dangerous since it combines all three types of distractions - visual, manual, and cognitive. Even if
you're just talking on the phone, using a hands-free set, your mind is still distracted and you put yourself
and others at risk.
TEST YOURSELF
1. Distracted driving is ______.
2. Which is the most dangerous kind of distracted driving?
3. What is distracted driving?
DISTRACTED DRIVING STATISTICS

Many people think that they can handle multi-tasking, especially when it comes to driving and cell phones.
But here are some statistics that prove otherwise.
 Using a cell phone while driving, whether it's hand-held or hands-free, delays a driver's reactions as
much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08 percent. (Source: University of
Utah)
 Drivers who use hand-held devices are four times as likely to get into crashes serious enough to
injure themselves. (Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)
 In 2015 alone, 3,477 people were killed in U.S. roadways and an additional 391,000 were injured in
motor vehicle crashes that were reported to have involved distracted driving. (Source: National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration: FARS and GES)
These statistics are frightening and there is no doubt that using a cell phone significantly impacts your
ability to drive well. Instead of taking your chances on the road, wouldn't it be better to just make your
phone calls once you've stopped driving? Even if you think you can talk or text while driving, the law now
says that you can't.
CELL PHONE AND TEXTING LAWS

Since cell phones and especially texting are such hazards, the State of California has passed some laws to
deal with these problems.
As of July 1, 2008 it is illegal to talk on a handheld cell phone while driving. If you are over 18, you may use
a hands-free device while driving. If you are under 18, you cannot talk on any wireless device, handheld or
hands-free. The law makes an exception for emergency situations.
Handheld Wireless Telephones and Electronic Wireless Communication Devices (VC

23123.5)
In addition to existing laws regarding the usage of electronic devices while driving, it is now against the law
to be holding or manually operating an electronic wireless communications device. The device must be
specifically designed and configured to allow for voice-operated and hands-free operation. This law
exempts manufacturer-installed systems that are embedded in the vehicle.
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While operating the vehicle, the driver’s hand may only be used to work a handheld wireless telephone or
electronic wireless communications device only if 1) the device is mounted on the vehicle's windshield the
same way a portable Global Positioning System (GPS) is mounted. Pursuant to paragraph (12) of
subdivision (b) of Section 26708 of the Vehicle Code, it may be mounted in a seven-inch square in the
lower corner of the windshield farthest removed from the driver or in a five-inch square in the lower corner
of the windshield nearest to the driver and outside of an airbag deployment zone. It may also be mounted
on the vehicle's dashboard or center console in a way that does not affect the driver's view of the road and
2) the driver’s hand is used to activate or deactivate a feature or function of the device with the motion of a
single swipe or tap of the driver’s finger.
A violation of this law is an infraction punishable by a base fine of $20 for the first offense and $50 for each
subsequent offense.
This law does not apply to an emergency service professional while operating an authorized emergency
vehicle while performing his or her duties.
Electronic wireless communication devices includes but is not limited to, a broadband personal
communication device, a specialized mobile radio device, a handheld device or laptop computer with
mobile data access, a pager, or a two-way messaging device.
Even though hands-free sets are legal, they are still a distraction, so it's best to leave all phone calls for
when you have pulled over. If we think about the brain as a computer, talking and driving are two very big
applications running at the same time. When using a hands-free set, both hands are free for the steering
wheel but your mind is still distracted. You could be making plans and daydreaming about what you're
going to be doing that evening or arguing with customer service about a credit card bill you know you paid
on time. It doesn't matter who you're talking to, talking on a cell phone means you are trying to carry on a
conversation and drive at the same time, forcing your brain to work slowly. This means you will react more
slowly to the unexpected conditions of the road than you would if you were only driving.
Television Broadcast or Video Signal (VC 27602)

With this law, you can drive a car with a television receiver, video monitor, television or video screen, or
any other similar visual displayer as long as the equipment is designed, operated and configured in such a
way that the driver cannot view the broadcast or video and not be distracted.
TEST YOURSELF
1. What is California's cell phone law?
2. What is California's texting law?

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NOT JUST ABOUT CELL PHONES
Cell phones are not the only things that can distract us while driving. While they are one of the most
obvious causes of collisions, there are other distractions that can lead to collisions. For the most part, we
create these distractions, especially the ones in the car, or allow ourselves to get distracted by what is
happening outside.
Dashboard Electronics
While cell phones are the most hazardous electronic devices used in the car, the car itself is most often
equipped with a variety of gadgets. These electronics, however, offer us another opportunity to do anything
but drive. Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are a great way to ensure that you don't get lost. Your GPS
will tell you where to turn left or right, where to get on and off a highway, saving you from the anxiety of
feeling lost or actually getting lost. The GPS might calm the nerves of many drivers but navigation systems
are also a huge problem on the road. Oftentimes drivers change destinations while driving or ask for the
system to "re-calculate," which draws the driver's attention away from the road and onto the dashboard.
Dashboard electronics are not restricted to these navigation devices. Many of the buttons and knobs on the
dashboard are also there to make your experience in the car as pleasant as possible. Controlling the music
and the temperature in the car means that you will have a comfortable drive. We all know, however, how
annoying the radio can be sometimes, playing songs you don't want to hear, or maybe even hate, almost
forcing you to reach over and change the station. By taking that time to look down, reach for the knob or
button, and surf the radio, change a track on a CD, or skip a song on a portable media player like an iPod
or MP3, you increase your chances of getting into a collision. Is it worth it to get into a collision because
you don't like a song you're hearing?
Similarly, no one likes to be in the car if it's too hot or too cold inside. You should try to turn on the air
conditioner or heater before you start driving. If it does get too cold or too hot, just wait until a normal stop
such as a red light to change the temperature.
Let's turn to our companions, Pablo and Maria, to illustrate some of these points. Pablo can be a careless
driver. He is easily distracted and always has to make sure he is absolutely comfortable while driving. This
means he changes radio stations and keeps changing the temperature in the car. For Pablo, it's either
never cold enough or never hot enough and he's always confident he can find better music if he just keeps
looking. He's been driving like this for years and has almost gotten into a collision on numerous occasions.
Since it hasn't happened yet, he thinks it won't happen.
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One afternoon, Pablo picked up Maria to go to the movies. As soon as Maria was in the car she noticed
that he was once again changing radio stations, putting the air conditioner on low then on high, incapable
of keeping his eyes on the road. While driving during rush hour, on one of the busiest freeways, Pablo was
looking down to adjust the temperature in the car. Traffic was moving and he didn't think anything would
change during that second he was looking down. But it did. All of a sudden the car in front of him came to a
stop. Maria screeched and he immediately stopped. Thanks to Maria's caution he avoided a collision by a
few inches. Maria was obviously very upset and barely stopped herself from yelling at Pablo. Instead, she
sternly suggested that when she's in the car, he should tell her (or whoever is in the passenger's seat) to
fiddle with the music or temperature controls rather than doing it himself. If he's not driving with any
passengers, shouldn't he just wait until he comes to a normal stop? Is it worth getting into a collision
because he needs to change the temperature to make it "perfect" or to change the music?
Other Passengers
In this instance the passenger, Maria, was helpful to the driver. Without her, Pablo would have hit the car in
front of them. Maria also offered some useful suggestions for safer driving. In other instances, however,
other passengers can be an additional distraction. When you're driving with friends and relatives it's
important to keep your passengers under control and to keep your attention on the road. They can distract
you by talking loudly or arguing with one another or even with you. You should remind your passengers
from the start that they should try to be helpful as passengers (such as by changing music and regulating
the temperature in the car) rather than being disruptive. If they do start arguing with one another or with
you, don't get involved and don't get distracted by it! You can continue an argument or a discussion once
you've pulled over and stopped driving. Always remember that there's a psychological aspect to driving too.
If you get upset or angry while driving, this will impact your ability to drive well.
Friends and relatives aren't the only kinds of passengers though. Children and pets can also be
passengers and in some instances can be even more distracting than adults.
Children
Before you take children in the car with you, make it very clear to them that driving is a serious and
important job. Teach them that while they are in the car they should buckle their seat belts. Remind them
that you have to concentrate when you're driving so they shouldn't argue or fight with one another while
they are in the car. They should stay in their seats and play a game or read a book, quietly entertaining
themselves and allowing you to focus on driving.
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Pets
Many people love to drive with their dogs on their laps or running loose in the car. While it's always nice to
see a happy dog with its head out the window and ears flapping, this is also very dangerous. You should
always secure your pet in a carrier or harness. If your pet is loose in the car, or worse, sitting on your lap,
both you and the pet are in danger. Instead of worrying as to where your pet has gone in the car or what it
is doing, secure your pet and focus on the road.
You should think of yourself as the captain of your ship. You are in charge of your vessel and all the other
members of your crew, be other adults, children, or pets. For the sake of your safety and that of your
passengers, you should make sure you have control and that you have established rules for the ship.
Eating
We all have very busy lives. Sometimes we rush out early in the morning to get to work, with no chance to
eat breakfast or drink coffee. After a while, this begins to take a toll on our bodies. We are not as alert as
we should be when we get to work or even on our way to work. A good breakfast is necessary to kick start
your day. It will get your mind and body working properly for work. We all know this, which is why we all
make our morning coffee and bagel stops. This however becomes a problem when you're driving. It's
become a habit with many people to eat and sip while driving. You may think that this isn't a problem or a
distraction. Let's consider some of the things involved in eating and drinking. The first thing you have to do
is reach for the food. As we've seen with the electronics on the dashboard, this can be a brief but
dangerous distraction. Once you have your food in your hands, you have to unwrap it if it's wrapped or
remove it from its container or box. This forces you to use your hands to get to the food instead of keeping
your hands on the steering wheel. What if you drop what you're eating? How can you pick it up and clean
yourself up while driving safely?
You may think a drink, whether it's hot or cold, might be safer than eating. After all, all you have to do is put
the cup to your lips and sip or put the straw to your mouth. That can't be too difficult, right? Even drinking a
soda or a coffee is a distraction. Remember, every time you are doing something that takes your attention
away from driving, even if it's for a split second, you are forcing your brain to multi-task. Your brain will not
only think about driving but also about getting your mouth to the straw so that you can sip that soda. This
might not seem like a big deal, but it's still a distraction. There's also the possibility that you might spill
some of your drink. There's nothing worse than spilling hot coffee all over yourself. We all know that those
coffee cup lids can be tricky. Sometimes there are no problems whereas other times the lid is not on
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properly or it somehow spills. Maybe you can ensure that you don't have a knee jerk reaction when you
spill some soda on yourself, but what about hot coffee? It's nearly impossible not to react at least by slightly
jumping out of your seat. This can be extremely dangerous. Not only will you try to clean the mess and
soak up the hot coffee, but you might even lift your leg off the gas or brake pedal, coming close to or
getting into a collision. That sip of coffee can end up costing you thousands of dollars.
The best way to avoid these collisions or near-collision experiences is to just eat and drink when you are
not driving. Either pull over for a few minutes or wait until you get to your destination.
Personal Grooming
We all want to look "put together" before we get out of the house. Whether this involves shaving or
applying makeup, we try to look our best. Just like that elusive breakfast, sometimes we run out of time to
get ready. We dress ourselves and rush out, thinking we can take care of the rest of it in the car. The car is
not an extension of your bathroom where you can groom yourself. Grooming in particular requires attention
to a lot of detail. Whether you are shaving or applying makeup, you have to pay close attention to what
you're doing. You don't want to miss a spot while shaving or apply lipstick to somewhere other than your
lips. If you are trying to do all this in the car it is inevitable that you are distracted. You are most likely only
looking in your rearview mirror, not at what's happening in front of you. And even though you are looking in
your rearview mirror, you are not even paying attention to what is happening behind you, just to your face.
By the time you apply that lipstick or shave that unseemly patch of hair off your face and look down, you
could be too late to stop from getting into a collision. Instead, plan ahead and make sure you finish all your
grooming at home instead of relying on your time in the car to get this done. You'll probably look much
better if you apply your makeup or shave when you're not operating a moving vehicle!
Always remember, your car is a very different space from your home. You can multi-task at home without it
being a serious threat or danger to yourself or those around you. Your house is not on wheels and in
motion with you steering it in one direction or another; it's stationary. If you choose to do multiple chores at
once, you can. If you spill something, you can easily wipe it clean without worrying about a deadly collision.
When you're in your home, you can easily read the newspaper or chat on the phone while sipping your
coffee. You don't have to worry about anything else. Another car will not hit you nor will you hit another car.
You can't collide with a pedestrian or run over someone's pet. So just do all these things before you get in
the car. Your car is not an extension of your home or office. It's not the place to finish what you couldn't
finish at home or at work.
Scenery and Window Shopping

Maria and John love to drive along the coast on the weekends. The Pacific Coast Highway, with its
dramatic cliffs and beaches, is so stunning and beautiful. Maria always drives on the way out and John
always drives on the way back. They think it's the fairest way to share the burden of driving. It's also the
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best way to make sure that the driver is always paying attention to the road. When it's Maria's turn to be a
passenger, she can look out the window and enjoy the scenery, knowing that John is driving safely. One
weekend, John and Maria thought they should invite Pablo for the drive. He eagerly offered to drive,
promising John and Maria that he would only pay attention to the road. For the first thirty minutes, Pablo
was not distracted. He paid attention to the road and drove with caution. After an hour of driving though, he
couldn't keep his eyes away from the coast and occasionally peaked to the side to take a look. During one
of these peaks, he began to swerve and nearly collided with an oncoming car. While John and Maria yelled
at Pablo for being careless and irresponsible, Pablo was lucky on this occasion.
This is just one example of how distractions that are not even in the car can be a problem and endanger
your ability to focus while you drive. Focus is essential to driving. It is one aspect of those key elements of
driving that include timely, proper judgment and the use of your senses. Driving on scenic roads can be
distracting. Who doesn't want to look out the window and enjoy the scenery? But is it worth risking a
collision as well as the safety of yourself and your passengers?
Outside distractions are not restricted to ocean side drives. Driving in a city with bright lights, passing by
billboards or storefronts can all be sources of distraction. You may think you are only looking away for a
moment, just for a quick look, but even a few seconds with your eyes off the road can lead to disaster.
Other Distractions
Some other outside distractions that have been listed by the California DMV include:
 Collisions: Staring at collisions not only causes traffic but also can cause other collisions. The
passersby are too busy trying to figure out what happened that they forget to look at where they are
going.
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 A car pulled over by a police officer: Why did he or she get pulled over? Were they speeding?
Will they get arrested? All of these thoughts might cross our minds as we drive past a car that has
been pulled over. Not only are you unlikely to figure out what has happened, but you are more likely
to get into a collision.
 Addresses and street names: We often get in the car and drive somewhere we've never been
before. This means we have to be looking out for street names and specific addresses. If no one is
in the car with us, we're on our own and that can make it difficult to find a building or a house. The
best thing to do is to get a very good idea of where you're going. Do a quick search online and see
if there are any landmarks near your destination that will make it easier to find. You might even
want to pull over at some point to make sure you're going the right way and how much further you
have to go.
THE FACES OF DISTRACTED DRIVING

So far we have considered some imaginary situations involving John, Pablo, and Maria where distractions
could seriously hamper good driving. In reality, texting, cell phone use, eating, drinking and other
distractions have had real life fatal consequences and continue to do so.
On September 15, 2010, Ani Voskanian, 20, drove through a stop sign while she was texting. She ran over
and killed 80-year old Misak Ranjbar. She was charged with vehicular manslaughter, which is a felony.
(Source: Los Angeles Times)
On July 25, 2009, 19-year-old Eric Okerblom was killed when his bike was struck by a truck traveling at 60
MPH. Cell phone records indicate that the driver was texting just prior to the collision. (Source: US
Government website for distracted driving)
These are only two of the countless victims of distracted driving. Don't add to these numbers by being a
distracted driver.
The road is full of surprises. A car can switch lanes suddenly, a pedestrian can seem to emerge from
nowhere, a light can change, anything can happen. You should always stay focused and pay attention. It's
only by following these tips that you can successfully deal with the unexpected, avoiding any type of
collision.
Chapter 11: The Vehicle

While driver behavior is by far the number one cause of car collisions, equipment failure is in the top four.
You could be the most cautious, considerate, and experienced driver, but if you don't take care of your
vehicle you dramatically increase your chances of a collision. What if your brakes failed? If there was a car
a few feet away and you had to brake suddenly, you would no doubt hit that car. What if your headlights
and fog lights went out in the middle of a storm? The cars around you would not be able to see you and
you would not be able to see them, increasing your chances of a dangerous and possibly deadly collision.
REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT AND VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

Lighting
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Vehicle lighting plays three important roles. First the headlights act as the driver’s eyes. They help the
driver see the road ahead and help the driver see at night. Second, the taillights make the vehicle visible to
drivers behind you both at night and during the day. Third, the brake lights tell drivers that you are slowing
down or stopping.
Headlights: Every vehicle except motorcycles must have two working headlights on the front of the
vehicle. When the headlights are set to low beam, it should be of sufficient intensity to reveal any persons
or vehicles at a distance of at least 100 feet ahead. When operating your high beams, it should be of
sufficient intensity to reveal any persons or vehicles at a distance of at least 350 feet ahead. You must turn
the headlights on at least ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour before sunrise. In addition, you should use the
headlights when it is cloudy, foggy, raining or snowing, on frosty mornings when other drivers' windows
may be icy or foggy, and on small country or mountain roads. You should use headlights any time you
have trouble seeing other cars because they’re probably having trouble seeing you too! In fact, the law
requires you to turn on your headlights whenever weather conditions prevent you from clearly seeing a
person or other motor vehicle on the highway from a distance of 1000 feet, or when driving in conditions
that require your windshield wipers to be in continuous use.
Taillights: Every vehicle except motorcycles must also have two working red taillights on the back of the
vehicle. For vehicles manufactured after January 1, 1969 its taillights should be plainly visible from all
distances within 1000 feet to the rear. For vehicles manufactured prior to January 1, 1969 the required
visibility distance is 500 feet. Taillights automatically turn on when the headlights activated, and your
vehicle visible from behind.
Brake Lights: These are the red lights on the rear of the vehicle that are activated automatically every time
you apply the brake pedal. Every vehicle other than a motorcycle must be equipped with two red brake
lights, which are visible from a distance of 300 feet to the rear both during normal sunlight and at night. In
addition a vehicle may also have a supplemental brake light mounted on the rear window of the vehicle as
long as it is not visible to the driver.
If you are towing a trailer or semi-trailer, they must be equipped with their own two red brake lights. Trailers
less than 30 inches wide and manufactured after July 1973 need only one brake light near the center.
Keep all the lights on your car clean to maximize the light they give out. If a light burns out, take care of it
immediately. It’s dangerous and illegal to drive with a burned out light.
Instrument panel
Always keep an eye on the instrument panel. It tells you a lot of important information, even with just a
glance. You can know how much gas you have, the car's speed, and the car's total miles driven. Your
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instrument panel might also have indicators for low fuel, low oil pressure, low tire pressure and faults in the
airbag (SRS) system. It might even tell you that it's time to have your engine checked. Low gas and low tire
pressure can be hugely stressful so always take a quick look at the panel to ensure that everything is
normal.
Belts and Fluid Levels

Think of the car's fluids as the car's blood. You need regular blood tests and your car needs regular fluid
checks. You car's service manual will tell you the minimum recommended maintenance services for your
car. Use it as a guide, but remember that your driving habits and even the roads on which you drive can
affect how often belts and fluids need to be checked and changed.
TEST YOURSELF
1. What is the purpose of your car's lights?
Horn
Apart from a vehicle's lights, the horn is another excellent way to communicate with other road users. It's
like the car's voice. It's the most obvious way to get another driver's attention to warn them of your
presence or of an oncoming obstacle or hazard. Car horns are manufactured so that they can be heard
from 200 feet away. You should never tamper with the horn to make it louder. You can be cited for a horn
that is too loud. It's irritating and distracting to other drivers as well as the neighborhoods you're driving
through. Unlike headlights, horns rarely malfunction, but if yours does, get it repaired immediately. Without
the horn, you lose the additional layer of security of being able to get someone's attention.
Windshields and Mirrors

The windshields and mirrors help the driver to see the environment around him or her. The windshield also
protects you from debris and foreign materials that could obstruct your view of the road. Mirrors are equally
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important. They allow us to check on the traffic behind us, which is important when you're trying to change
lanes or turn.
Windshields
All vehicles must be equipped with an adequate windshield and rear window. What does this mean? First,
the glass must be made of shatterproof material. That way, if a vehicle is involved in a collision, the driver
and passengers won’t be injured by broken and flying glass. Second, the windshield must be clean and
have functioning windshield wipers. And finally, the windshield and rear window should be in good
condition without any cracks or holes that will impair the driver's ability to see to the front or back. You can
be cited or even arrested if you are driving with a windshield or rear window that does not comply.
Mirrors
California law is also clear about mirrors. The law requires that your car have at least two rear view mirrors
that allow the driver to see at least 200 feet to the rear. One mirror must be mounted on the exterior left
side and the other can be mounted on either the exterior right side of the vehicle OR in the interior. If the
driver’s rear view is obstructed because of the design of the vehicle or because of its contents or an item
being towed, there must be a rear view mirror installed at BOTH the left and right exterior.
Brakes
Brakes are an essential component of the car. They are designed to bring your car to a stop while still
giving you control and steering ability. The braking system is so important that even national standards
have been set: All passenger vehicles traveling at 20mph must be able to stop in 25 feet.
Service Brakes vs. Parking Brake

All vehicles have to be equipped with two braking systems: a dual hydraulic system (also known as service
brakes) and a mechanical brake system (parking or emergency brakes). What is the difference between
these brakes? When you press on the service brakes, you apply braking action on all four wheels. These
are the brakes you use while driving, to slow down, to stop and to control the speed of the car.
The parking brakes only activate the rear brakes. When you are parked on an incline, you use the parking
brakes to ensure that your vehicle is stable and will not roll down the hill. For this reason, the parking brake
must be able to hold the vehicle on any grade and under all conditions that it is operated. You must be able
to apply both the service brake and the parking brake separately.
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Maintaining the Brakes
Check the brake fluid level at least once a month, but also have a qualified technician inspect the brakes.
Make sure you have the brake cables lubricated and adjusted. If the brake pedal feels lower than usual,
your vehicle pulls to one side while braking or makes any noises such as grinding or squealing, have them
checked out by a service technician immediately. Your brakes might need to be realigned or replaced. This
is not the kind of information you want to discover while driving 60mph on the highway! You can also check
the working condition of the parking brake. Apply the parking brake and slowly ease off the service brake
while still in drive to make sure your vehicle doesn't move.
Tires
If you were a long distance runner, you would get your feet regularly examined by a podiatrist. You would
make sure you have the proper shoes, with adequate cushioning and shock-absorption. When it comes to
cars, tires are the car's feet and running shoes. Driving a car with deflated or worn out tires is similar to
running with a sprained ankle or worn out running shoes. You won't be able to get very far and you're most
likely to cause a severe injury.
Tires have two functions. Just like running shoes, they are air-filled cushions that help absorb the shock
caused by road hazards or poor road conditions. Tires also grip the road to provide you with traction,
protecting you from skids and hydroplaning.
Tire Inflation
If your tires are properly inflated, they will provide the best traction they can offer. If your tires are under-
inflated, your car won't work efficiently and will waste gas. This will also affect tire wear and your ability to
properly handle and control the vehicle. Under-inflated tires are also more likely to blow out. Check your
vehicle's manual for the recommended tire pressure and check it regularly using a pressure gauge.
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Tread Conditions
Similar to running shoes, tires have grooved surfaces called treads. These treads are designed to push
water, snow, hail, sleet, mud, and more out from under the tire so that it stays grounded and touching the
pavement. As the tire wears out, the tread gradually becomes thinner and eventually the tire surface
becomes smooth. You should replace the tires before they become smooth. Smooth or bald tires are just
like worn out running shoes: they won't grip the road and cause the vehicle to slide.
According to the law, tires must have at least one thirty-seconds (1/32) of an inch depth in any two adjacent
grooves at any location of the tire. You can check you tire's tread by doing the penny test. Take a penny
and put Lincoln's head into one of the grooves of the tire tread. If you can't see part of his head, the tire has
enough tread. But if you can see all of Lincoln's head, then it's time for a new tire.
When you're done with the penny test, take a look at your tires and check for signs of wear, such as bulges
and splits in the tread or sidewall. Check for uneven wear, too. It might indicate that one tire is more
inflated than the others or that your brakes or alignment need to be checked out. If you rotate your tires
every 12,000 miles, you can equalize the wear of your tires and give them a longer life span.
TEST YOURSELF
1. What do tire treads do?
Seats, Seat Belts and Airbags

Sometimes even the most cautious and experienced driver can be involved in a collision. If the driver was
alert and focused, the severity of the collision will be much less. This increases the chance that the people
involved will survive the crash. Another important factor that will determine the outcome of a crash is
whether or not the occupants were wearing seat belts. The single most important safety device in any kind
of collision is the seat belt. Seat belts restrain the driver and the passengers during a collision and keep
them from hitting the hard surfaces of the car, such as the windshield. Air bags are intended to cushion the
driver and front seat passenger from the force of the impact, but they do not replace seat belts.
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The law requires that you use your seat belt. If your car is a 1968 or later model the law requires that it
must have a seat belt in good working condition. It also requires that the driver and all passengers 16 and
older wear a seat belt. Children under the age of 16 must be restrained in a seat belt, safety seat, or
booster seat, depending on the child's size. It doesn't matter where your passengers are sitting, everyone
must be safely restrained. Any passenger over 16 years of age can be cited for not wearing his or her seat
belt. It's also the driver's responsibility to ensure that he or she is wearing a seat belt and that all other
passengers are also restrained. Remember, a police officer may stop you for a seat belt infraction.
Air Bags
Some of us have heard about the dangers surrounding airbags. What is the best way to stay safe and
protected while driving? Adjust your seat before you drive. Make sure your head Is at least ten inches from
your driver air bag. Keep in mind that you have to be able to reach the pedals and steering wheel
comfortably and easily. If pulling your seat ten inches away from the steering wheel is too far, you can
adjust your seat to maintain the ten-inch distance while being able to reach the steering wheel and pedals.
You can recline the back of the seat, move the seat rearward or, if your steering wheel is adjustable, tilt it
downward. Always drive belted and sitting ten inches away from the steering wheel.
(Source: NHTSA)
Child Safety Equipment

Children, because of their size and age, are more vulnerable to the dangers of a car. They might also have
a difficult time understanding the consequences to their actions. For this reason, a car is equipped with
safety measures that protect over-curious children.
Child Safety Locks

These locks stop children from opening doors and windows.
Child Restraint System and Safety Seats

Any child who is under the age of eight years and who is less than 4 feet 9 inches tall, must be secured in
an appropriate child safety seat and ride in the back seat of a vehicle. Once that child is at least eight years
old OR at least 4 feet 9 inches tall she may use an appropriate safety belt instead.
A child who is under the age of eight years and who is less than 4 feet 9 inches tall should always ride in
the back of the vehicle unless:
1. There is no rear seat or the rear seats are either side-facing jump seats or rear-facing seats.
2. The child passenger restraint system cannot be properly installed in the rear seat.
3. All rear seats are already occupied by children seven years of age or under.
4. A medical reason requires the child to ride in the front seat.
Children under the age of two who weigh less than 40 pounds and are less than 40 inches tall must be
secured in a rear facing child safety seat that meets federal safety standards, in the back of the vehicle.
Children who exceed these age, weight or height minimums, do not have to be placed rear-facing (they
may be placed forward-facing), but must still be secured in a child safety seat appropriate for their size and
age, in the back of the vehicle. The court may exempt the parent/guardian from these requirements (with
written proof) if the child is physically unfit to be placed in a rear-facing child safety seat because of a
medical condition, or because of the child’s size. (VC 27360)
Exceptions are also made in the case of a life-threatening emergency or if the child is being transported in
an authorized emergency vehicle. If there is no child safety seat available, the child must be secured by a
seatbelt.
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It is the responsibility of the driver or the parent/guardian if they are a passenger in the vehicle to take care
of this. Drivers who fail to restrain child passengers in child safety seats will receive a point on their driving
record and a $100 fine. The fine increases to $250 for a second or subsequent offense. You are the adult
and you should be the one ensuring the safety of your child passengers.
TEST YOURSELF
1. When can children move on to using a safety belt instead of a child safety seat?
MECHANICAL FAILURES
Sometimes even the most careful drivers, despite diligent car maintenance, have a mechanical emergency
on the road. Being prepared and knowing how to handle these kinds of frightening situations will give you
confidence and peace of mind.
Accelerator is Stuck
Recent headlines of people crashing because their accelerator was stuck have brought this issue to the
forefront. There are four things to remember if this happens to you.
1. Try to unstick the gas pedal by pressing it sharply; it may loosen. Or lift it up with the tip of your
shoe.
2. If that doesn't work, shift the car into neutral and steer to safety.
3. If that still doesn’t work, press the brake hard and fast. Pressing slowly and gradually will only eat
away at the pads and make them ineffective.
4. And finally, if all else fails or you have trouble stopping completely, turn the ignition off. You will
lose power steering, but you should have enough momentum to steer to safety.
Tire Blows Out

If you have a tire blow out while you are driving, stay calm and do not slam on the brakes. Instead, grip the
steering wheel firmly and steer to keep your vehicle in a straight line. Once you have control of the car,
ease off the gas pedal to start slowing down. Activate your turn signal, and press the brakes gently to slow
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down even more. Steer slowly off the road as far away from traffic as possible. Park your car and turn on
your hazard lights.
Brakes Fail
Thankfully brake failures are rare. But it is still a good idea to be prepared to handle one just in case. If
your brakes stop working, downshift to a lower gear to help slow down the vehicle. For ABS brakes, press
the brake pedal as hard as you can. Don't be startled by the vibrating, that is what ABS brakes do.
For non-ABS brakes, press the brake pedal several times quickly (this is called pumping) to build up
pressure in the brakes. Activate the hazard lights and honk the horn to warn other drivers. Also pump the
parking brake while releasing the lock mechanism, but stop if the car starts to skid. Steer gently to move off
the road safely. If you are still not able to stop, look for an uphill slope, guard rail or curb to help further
reduce your speed. As a last resort, select objects that are soft and will give on impact to collide with in
order to come to a complete stop. Avoid hard objects such as trees, light posts, telephone posts, buildings,
etc.
Stop Safely Off the Road

No matter what the mechanical emergency, you should always try to get your car safely off the road as far
away from traffic as possible. Try your best to maneuver to a well-lit area and turn on your hazard lights to
warn other drivers.
It is usually safest to stay in the car with your seat belt on and doors locked while you call and wait for help.
Be wary of strangers offering help. It doesn't mean all strangers are out to harm you, but being aware of
possible dangers helps you stay safe. If you don't have a phone, ask them to call a tow truck for you.
TEST YOURSELF
1. What should you do if your tire blows out while you are driving?
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Chapter 12: The Road
RULES OF THE ROAD
Pablo and Maria are driving in her neighborhood. While Maria always follows the speed limit, Pablo is
getting irritated. “Why do I have to drive so slowly on this road? No one is ever around. What’s the problem
with driving 35mph? This is just another excuse to give someone a ticket!”
Maria says, “The rules of the road are not there to annoy you. It’s not a scheme by the state, county or city
to collect money from you either! Driving is like a game of Monopoly. You have to know and follow the rules
to be able to play.”
HOW TO USE LANES PROPERLY

Lanes exist to channel traffic and help guide drivers safely. Learning these rules will make your journey
more efficient and safe.
Yellow lines separate traffic going in opposite directions
Solid yellow lines: Mark the center of the road.
Broken yellow lines: Allow you to pass if it is on your side of the road.
Double yellow lines: Do not pass when you are next to a double yellow line. You may cross a double
yellow line, however, to make a left turn into an intersection or into a private driveway.
Two sets of double yellow lines: These are called a barrier and they are used to separate higher speed
traffic going in opposite directions. You may not cross these lines for any reason. A left turn or u-turn can
be made in designated openings.
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White Lines separate traffic going in the same direction
Solid white lines: Mark traffic lanes going in the same direction.
Broken white lines: These are used when there are two or more lanes going in the same direction.
Double white lines: These separate regular lanes from carpool or other special lanes. You may not cross
over the solid double lines. Wait for the broken white lines to enter the lane.
Choosing a Lane
Traffic lanes are often referred to by their number. Starting the lane on the left, they are numbered 1, 2, 3,
etc. When driving a long distance, use the number 2 lane. It is generally the smoothest because drivers
aren’t slowing down to turn or passing. If you want to pass someone, make the pass on the left. This is the
expected area to make a pass, and causes the least disruption to the road. If you plan to turn left or right
soon, get into the appropriate lane with enough time to slow down for the turn.
DO NOT weave in and out of traffic or make abrupt lane changes to make a turn, as this puts all road users
in danger of a collision.
Public Transit Bus Lanes (VC 21655.1)

It is illegal to drive, stop, park, or leave a vehicle standing in the area of a road designated for the exclusive
use of public transit buses unless a vehicle must cross the lane to make a turn. Signs will be posted to
include the lanes are for "bus only" use.
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Bicycle Lanes
Motorists need to be especially careful when sharing the road with cyclists. In order to avoid any
devastating collisions between cyclists and motorists, additional precautions have been taken. On some
roads, there are designated bike lanes. They are marked by a solid white lane and usually have the image
of a cyclist. They are narrower than a usual lane but are just like any other lane. Would you cross over the
white line and use two lanes? The answer is no. The same should apply for bike lanes. Cyclists are road
users and you should respect their designated lanes. The only time you can drive in the bicycle lane is
when you are going to make a right turn. Once you are within 200 feet of the corner, make sure you will not
be colliding with any cyclists and then enter the bicycle lane.
Other roads that aren’t wide enough for a bike lane have markings that show that vehicles and bicycles
must share the road. These markings, called sharrows, alert drivers to watch out for bicyclists on that part
of the road.
Properly Ending Left or Right Turns

Most people know where to start their left or right turn, but it is just as important to know where to end the
turn.
General Rules for Left turns: If you are going to make a left turn, position yourself in lane closest to the
left. Use the center left turn lane if one is available. Start signaling about 100 feet before the turn. Slow
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down and stop behind the limit line. You must yield to all pedestrians crossing the road and other vehicles
coming from the opposite direction, including any cars making a right turn. Scan the road, left, center and
right. Make the turn only when it’s safe and do not cut the corner! End your turn in any lane as long as no
one else is trying to use that lane. This applies whether you are turning into a one-way street or a two-way
street.
General Rules for Right turns: If you are going to make a right turn, position yourself in the farthest right
lane. Check for pedestrians and bicycles and start signaling about 100 feet before the turn. Look over your
right shoulder and slow down, stopping behind the limit line. Look both ways, especially for pedestrians
who might be stepping on or off the sidewalk. Yield to any pedestrians who are already crossing the street
or are about to cross and make your turn only when it is clear and safe. End your turn in the lane nearest
the right-hand curb.
Other Examples of Left and Right turns:

 Left turn from a one-way street onto a two-way street: When turning left from a one-way street
you should position yourself in the farthest left lane and may turn into any lane that is available.
 Left turn from a two-way street onto a one-way street: Position yourself in the far left lane of
your side of the road and turn into any lane that is available.
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 Two or more left turn lanes: If more than one lane is indicated for left turns, you may use either
lane, but you must stay in your lane and end the turn in the corresponding lane.
 Right turn from a one-way street into a one-way street: Position yourself in the farthest right
lane. Make sure it’s safe and turn into any lane that is open. If there is more than one lane indicated
for turning right, you may use either lane, but you should stay in your lane and end the turn in the
corresponding lane to avoid colliding with the car in the far right lane.
 Right turns on red signals: You may make a right turn against a red signal as long as there is no
sign prohibiting it. Make a complete stop before the crosswalk and yield to any road users moving
on their green light. Never turn on a red arrow.
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Center Left Turn Lane
Center left turn lanes are located in the middle of a two way street. They are marked by two lines on each
side. The inner line is a broken line and the outer one is solid. If a street has a center left turn lane you may
use it to turn left. The two lines indicate that this is not a regular traffic lane, so don't use it as one! Even if
you are sitting in heavy traffic, you are not allowed to use the center left turn lane to cut through to the left
turn only lane. If you are going to make a left turn (into a driveway) you can only drive in this lane for 200
feet.
Left turn: To make a left turn from this lane, follow the usual lane changing procedure: signal, check your
mirrors and blind spots and switch into this lane. Make sure you are completely in the lane. You don't want
the rear of the vehicle in another lane. This could cause traffic and even a collision. Unlike a regular left
turn lane you might have other cars driving towards you in the center left turn lane to also make a left turn.
Sharing Lanes with Motorcycles

Just like cyclists, motorcyclists are a more vulnerable group of road users. They too have to obey the same
traffic laws, but they too are harder to notice on the road. As a general rule, you should allow motorcycles
the width of an entire lane. There are occasions however where "lane splitting" may happen. Because of
their small size, motorcycles are able to travel faster than traffic during periods of heavy congestion. They
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legally can use the space between two lanes of traffic which is known as lane splitting. If you are sharing a
lane with a motorcycle, be careful. Don't squeeze them out of the flow of traffic or try to force them into
another lane!
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has been authorized to begin developing educational guidelines
relating to lane splitting and will consult with specific agencies and organizations with an interest in road
safety and motorcyclist behavior. (VC 21658.1)
High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes (VC 21655.9)

If you drive a low emission vehicle and have white clean air stickers, you can continue to use the carpool
lane regardless of how many passengers are in the car. Hybrids with white stickers can use the carpool
lane until January 2015. This law also states that starting in 2012, 40,000 HOV access stickers can be
issued to early purchasers of Enhanced Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicles.
TEST YOURSELF
1. What are center left turn lanes for?
PASSING OTHER VEHICLES

Passing is very dangerous and should be done only when it is completely safe. But sometimes it is hard to
judge how dangerous a situation really is. Much of this depends on how far ahead you can see and
whether or not you have room to safely pass.
Special Situations
These are situations that are confusing for many drivers because the dangers of passing may not be
completely obvious.
 Bridges, viaducts and tunnels: If your view is blocked as you approach within 100 feet of a
bridge, viaduct or tunnel, you may not pass.
 Hills: When you are driving up or down a hill, you have limited visibility. You often can't see
oncoming cars and they can't see you. For this reason, you should not pass on hills. Only pass if
the hill or curve is at least one-third of a mile away, but avoid passing on the hill itself.
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 Intersections and railroad crossings: It is illegal to pass within 100 feet of intersections and
railroad crossings. If you are further than 100 feet away, you should decide whether you can pass
safely.
 Class A and Class B vehicles: Class A and class B vehicles tend to be commercial trucks, farm
vehicles and buses. Their size and weight makes it difficult for them to slow down, so attempting to
pass them could be very dangerous. Only pass them when it's absolutely necessary. Do you have
an exit or a turn approaching? If so, avoid passing these vehicles and wait for a better opportunity.
If you have to pass these large vehicles, pass on the left and allow for more than the usual 10-12
seconds to pass. Don't forget to give yourself more room to enter as well. You don't want to cut
these vehicles off. They might not be able to slow down fast enough to avoid rear ending you.
Dangerous Situations
There are some situations that may not be technically illegal to pass, but the fact that you end up doing
other illegal moves to make the pass happen still makes them illegal and extremely dangerous.
 Long line of vehicles ahead: If you are trying to pass more than one vehicle, this means you are
on the wrong side of the road for too long. It may be difficult for you to get back into your lane. This
is not safe!
 Intention to stop or turn: Passing someone when you know you are going to stop or turn in front
of them is an act of aggressive driving. This can create a rear end crash with you on the receiving
end.
 Vehicle is at or near speed limit: It's simple. If you have to exceed the speed limit in order to pass
a vehicle ahead of you because he is already at or near the speed limit, you should not be passing
him. Don't exceed the speed limit to pass another driver.
 Sight or distance ahead is limited: Remember safety first! If you can't see the distance needed to
make the pass, you should assume there is a car there and stay where you are.
 Unable to pass before reaching a no passing zone: No passing zones are places in the road
where it is just too dangerous to pass. It may be because it is harder to see ahead or because the
road is too narrow.
RIGHT-OF-WAY
The rules of the road give drivers a lot of information about what they can and can't do and what they
should do. Right-of-way rules tell motorists who has the higher priority over the other, in a given situation,
and what the best way is to handle the situation. Below is a list of some of the most common right-of-way
situations and how to handle them.
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Controlled vs. Uncontrolled Intersections
Controlled intersections have some kind of device or sign telling drivers what to do. There are many
different kinds of controlled intersections and each one has its own right-of-way rules:
 Four-way stop: At a four way stop, the driver reaching the intersection first gets to go first. If two
cars arrive at the same time, the right-of-way should be given to the car on the right. If there is no
car on your right, then you technically "have" the right-of-way. But remember, you still have to make
sure the other driver gives you the right-of-way before hitting the gas pedal.
 Yield signs: A yield sign facing you means you are about to enter an area where other road users
have the right of way. Slow down as you approach the yield sign and be prepared to stop if you see
another road user already using that part of the road. This could be the car going straight on the
road you want to make a right turn on, or the pedestrian using the crosswalk in front of the yield
sign.
 Unprotected left or right turn: These are turns made at any uncontrolled intersection or when a
controlled intersection does not have a special turn light. The turn is also unprotected when a
special left or right turn light ends -- while you are still allowed to turn, you don't have the
"protection" of the light. If you are making an unprotected left turn, you should yield the right-of-way
to all other traffic.
 Intersections with a broken signal light: If the traffic signal is not working, approach the
intersection carefully and treat the broken signal like a four-way stop. Only drive ahead when it is
your turn and it is safe.
Vehicles Stopped at a Crosswalk

Do not pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. They are most likely waiting for a pedestrian to cross the
street. You could endanger the pedestrian. Wait for the car ahead of you to pass the crosswalk before you
move forward.
Pedestrian's Right-of-Way at Crosswalks

Pedestrian is anyone who is on foot but also includes people using a mobility devise such as a wheel chair,
skateboard or electric scooter. They always have the right-of-way at crosswalks no matter where they are!
It doesn’t matter if the crosswalks are marked or not, have a signal light, a stop sign or no sign at all, you
must yield to pedestrians.
 If you are going to make a right turn, wait at the limit line (not in the crosswalk) for pedestrians to
clear the sidewalk before making your turn. Even if you have a green light, you must allow
pedestrians to cross first.
 Do not pass a vehicle that has stopped at a crosswalk. A pedestrian you cannot see may be
crossing the street. Stop, and then proceed when all pedestrians have crossed the street.
 Do not drive on a sidewalk, except to cross it to enter or exit a driveway or alley. When crossing,
yield to all pedestrians.
 Do not stop in a crosswalk. You will place pedestrians in danger.
 Remember, if a pedestrian makes eye contact with you, he or she is ready to cross the street. Yield
to the pedestrian.
 Allow older pedestrians, disabled pedestrians, and pedestrians with young children sufficient time to
cross the street.
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Bicyclist's Right-of-Way
Right-of-way rules are the same for bicycles and cars. They have to follow the same rules and have the
same responsibilities as motorists. Motorists must remember that bicyclists are entitled to share the road
with other vehicles if they do not have a designated bike lane. They are also allowed to use turn lanes. So
while motorists should treat bicyclists with more caution, they should not be surprised to see them cycling
with traffic or using turn lanes. If cyclists are moving slowly, they should behave like any other slow moving
vehicle and stay to the right.
Anti-Gridlock Law
What happens when drivers enter the intersection on a green light when the lanes are already backed up?
The light turns red and, since the cars are still stuck in the intersection, other traffic can't get through.
Gridlock! When passing through an intersection, you have to keep in mind California's anti-gridlock law. It is
your responsibility to make sure you have enough space on the other side of the intersection or railroad
crossing before entering the intersection. Blocking an intersection is not only inconsiderate to other drivers,
but it is also dangerous and illegal.
School Buses with Red Flashing Lights

If you approach a school bus that has stopped with red signal lights flashing from either direction, you have
to stop and wait for them to stop flashing before you move. The flashing lights tell drivers that passengers
are loading or unloading. You cannot pass the bus or otherwise move until the lights are no longer flashing.
You don't have to stop if the bus is on the opposite side of a physical barrier or divider such as a divided
highway or multi-lane highway.
TEST YOURSELF
1. What should you do if you approach a school bus with red signal lights flashing?
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2. What is California's Anti Gridlock Law?
3. When do you NOT have to stop for a stopped school bus with red signal lights flashing?
4. The purpose of the California's Anti Gridlock Law is to ______.
Road or Lane Narrows

If a road or lane narrows or ends, two lanes will have to merge into one. In these instances, merging traffic
always has to yield. In other words, if you are driving in the right hand lane and your lane is ending, you will
have to merge with the left lane. The left lane, that is the lane that continues, will have the right-of-way. If
your lane narrows or ends, you must yield to the rest of traffic and merge when it is safe. If you are in the
lane that is continuing on, be courteous and let the other driver merge into your lane!
Entering Freeways
Freeway traffic always has the right-of-way, so entering motorists must be quick and cautious to merge into
traffic. Most freeways have acceleration lanes which allow the vehicles entering the freeway to reach the
speed of traffic and merge more easily. Even when you reach the speed of traffic while in the acceleration
lane, you do not have the right-of-way once your lane merges with the rest of the freeway. You have to
yield to freeway traffic until you find a safe merging point.
Railroad Crossings
The Federal Railroad Administration reports there are over 3000 train collisions every year and almost 900
fatalities on this country's 200,000 railroad crossings. It seems motorists don't take railroad crossings
seriously.
But the reality is that trains travel at very high speeds. Even at slower speeds, a train requires a very long
distance to stop. A train traveling at 50 mph will take a mile and a half to come to a complete stop. A train
can also cross at any time so you must be extra cautious when crossing a railroad.
For this reason, trains always have the right-of-way. It does not matter if the railroad crossing is protected
(gated) or unprotected (un-gated), you should cross the tracks carefully and always yield to oncoming
trains. If the crossing is unprotected and you see a train approaching, don't take a chance. Do not try to
race across the tracks hoping to outrun the train. If you miscalculate the speed of the train or if your car
stalls, it will be impossible for the train to stop in time, thus leading to a deadly collision.
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Traffic Breaks
It occasionally happens. You are driving on the freeway and you see a large object on the road. Sometimes
it's not a large enough hazard to get the CHP involved, but other times these objects are very dangerous!
They can range from stalled cars to mattresses and construction equipment. The CHP may be called in to
create a traffic break so that the object may be removed. Traffic breaks are most often created by an officer
driving back and forth across all the lanes with his lights flashing. If you see an officer creating a traffic
break, you must yield to the officer. Do not try to drive past the officer! Wait for the CHP to clear the road
and to end the traffic break.
TEST YOURSELF
1. What is a traffic break?
ADJUST YOUR DRIVING FOR THE CONDITIONS

Once you've learned and mastered the rules of the road, you have to be able to adjust to changing roads
and road conditions. It's rare that drivers are faced with the same driving conditions all the time. A good
driver has to take the rules of the road and adjust his or her driving to the environment. For example, you
can't drive on the freeway the same way you would in the city. Your speed will be different, the obstacles
you are looking for will be different and the techniques you use will be different.
Demands of City Driving

While city driving may be exciting with all its lights and sounds and people, it is these distractions that make
driving in the city so difficult. Take extra care when driving through the city. Reduce your speed, watch out
for but don't watch the pedestrians and try to reduce the distractions inside your car. It's also important to
avoid being a "rubber neck," a person who slows down to see what is happening on the side of the road.
This doesn't mean you shouldn't be aware of the situation; you just shouldn't stare at it.
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 Look ahead of traffic: Make it a point to look 10 to 15 seconds ahead and you will likely catch the
majority of hazards liable to endanger you. If you catch these early enough, you have sufficient time
to respond to them accordingly. Always scan the road for hazards!
 Leave enough distance to maneuver: Always leave enough distance between you and the
vehicles or hazards around you. The more room you leave the more room you will have to
maneuver yourself to safety should you need to. Follow the three-second rule. When you have
stopped, always leave at least one car length between you and the car in front of you.
 Anticipate signal light changes: When scanning ahead of traffic, you should pay attention to and
anticipate signal light changes. How long has the light been green? If you have been paying
attention, you will be able to tell if it is going to stay green or turn yellow once you’ve reached the
intersection. Avoid crossing the intersection when the signal is yellow. Drivers in the cross traffic
may enter the intersection as soon as their light turns green, and if you are still in the intersection, a
crash would be hard to avoid.
 Other road users: Unlike driving on the freeway, city driving is especially challenging because of
the variety of road users. In a city, you share the road with other cars, bicycles, pedestrians and
buses. Scan the road for these other road users and respect their right to share the road with you.
 Cover the brake, don't ride it: When you are driving in a city, cover the brake. In other words, let
your foot hover over the brake pedal, ready to brake immediately if it becomes necessary. Do not
ride the brake though! When you are riding the brake you are touching the brake pedal which
causes the brake lights to illuminate. This can be very confusing to the drivers behind you. They will
wonder why you are stopping. Cover the brake instead of riding it.
Demands of Freeway Driving

Freeway driving is very different from city driving. Freeway driving is faster paced and requires a special
set of skills unique to the freeway.
Plan a Route in Advance

You can avoid confusion and dangerous moves on the freeway by planning your route ahead of time. Be
familiar with your entrance and exit. If you are driving somewhere unfamiliar, try to leave while it is still
daylight.
When Entering the Freeway

Acceleration lanes exist at many freeway entrances. They permit vehicles that are entering to accelerate
and reach the speed of traffic in order to merge more easily. Be familiar with entrance signs that warn of
curves, speed limits and merge areas. Adjust your speed to the posted speed limit on the entrance ramp.
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While on the ramp, check the flow of traffic on the freeway. Judge the speed and spacing of the vehicles.
Try to locate a gap in the traffic. Watch the vehicle ahead for sudden stops; many drivers reduce speed
and even stop while attempting to merge. Check the freeway again and locate the gap that you will use to
merge onto the freeway. Activate your left turn signal and begin to match your speed to the freeway traffic.
Check the mirror and blind spot, and then merge into the gap. Cancel the turn signal once you are safely in
your lane.
Choosing Your Lane

If you are on a two-lane freeway you should use the right-hand lane when you enter and just prior to
exiting. The left lane is for passing and faster traffic. Be prepared to move right and allow faster moving
vehicles to pass. When on a three-lane or larger freeway you should drive in the right lane when you enter
the freeway, just before exiting and if you are driving less than the posted speed limit. The center lanes
should be used when driving at or near the speed limit and when driving long distances. The left lane
should be used for passing or preparing to exit when the exit is on the left side of the freeway. Often a
freeway divides into three or more different routes called interchanges. When approaching an interchange,
avoid merging conflicts by changing lanes to the left or by adjusting your speed.
Speed Limits
California's "Basic Speed Law" says that you must never drive faster than is safe for the present conditions,
regardless of the posted speed limit. When road, weather, visibility or traffic conditions are not ideal, the
driver must determine what is safe for the existing conditions. The posted maximum speed limit is the
maximum speed at which you can legally drive in a particular zone. A minimum speed limit may also be
posted to keep traffic from moving too slowly. Driving too slowly during good conditions is as illegal as
driving too fast. A very slow driver blocks the flow of traffic and essentially forces other drivers to make
risky last minute lane changes to avoid the slow vehicle.
Keep a Space Cushion around your Vehicle

A space cushion is the empty area to the front, back and sides of your vehicle. The bigger the space
cushion, the more options you have to maneuver out of a problem nearby. What if the car in front of you
unexpectedly stalls? If you are surrounded by cars in every direction, you won't have many options for an
exit strategy. In fact, you might rear-end the car in front of you before you have a chance to escape.
Establish a space cushion by increasing the minimum three-second following distance to at least four
seconds. Avoid driving next to other cars or in clusters of cars to increase your space cushion to the sides.
The only area that you have the least control over your space cushion is behind you. You can't exactly stop
a tailgater, but at least if you have enough room to the front and sides you can get away from him or allow
him to pass you.
Freeway Emergencies
When you come across a blocked roadway on the freeway you should reduce your speed, check for an
open lane next to you and steer around the obstacle. If you are not able to steer around the obstacle and
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stopping becomes your only option, tap the brake pedal before applying the brakes to warn the vehicles
behind you. If needed turn on the hazard lights to warn other drivers.
When Exiting the Freeway

When you are planning to exit the freeway, scan ahead for signs indicating the exit lane you are looking for.
When you see your exit sign, start changing lanes to reach your exit lane. Give yourself ample time to
reach the exit lane. If you miss your exit, do not try to dash across several lanes or attempt to back your
vehicle on the freeway. Drive on to the next exit and then return to the desired exit on the other side of the
freeway.
TEST YOURSELF
1. What is a space cushion?
The Open Highway

The open highway can present a variety of surprises for drivers. You might find yourself sharing the road
with some interesting road users, such as animals, horses, tractors and more. Be aware of these surprises
and be prepared to deal with them.
Unpredictable Road Conditions

Open highways are often poorly maintained. When driving on an open highway, you may come across
potholes, broken pavement, bumps and more. Slow down and try to avoid them. The road might not even
be paved. If you are driving on gravel, sand or mud, this will affect your car's traction. Drive carefully. The
roads can also vary in width. If you're driving on a narrow road, drive slowly and carefully and be especially
careful with oncoming traffic.
Environment
Open highways are often characterized by curves and hills. Adjust your driving to accommodate the
changing terrain. When approaching a curve, slow down but don't stop. If you are driving on a hill, shift to a
lower gear even with an automatic transmission to make the engine turn faster and develop power to climb
more easily. When on a downhill slope, shift to a lower gear. The lower gear will help control the speed. As
you approach the top of the hill it will be difficult for you to see any oncoming traffic and even traffic that is
ahead of you or behind you. Stay safe! Stay to the right of your lane and ease off the accelerator until your
visibility increases. Mountain driving can be a greater challenge. High altitudes not only affect drivers but
their cars as well. Your car may overheat so check the temperature gauge often.
Other Road Users

Since open highways are typically found in rural settings, you may come across some road users you don't
often see in the city. You will be sharing the road with animals, tractors and slow moving vehicles. Watch
out for signs that warn drivers about animal crossings. Once you spot one of these signs, be more vigilant
in your scanning. Trucks and other slow moving vehicles can also be a challenge. Their sheer size means
it takes them longer to speed up, slow down and turn. Don't try to cut them off to get ahead of these slow
moving vehicles. Give the truck drivers their space! It's safer for everybody. Remember you are in the
smaller vehicle; a collision would not end well for you.
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Lighting
Open highways are often poorly lit. If you are driving on an open highway in the dark, use your high beam
lights to ensure that you can see and are seen by other drivers. Be sure to switch to the standard
headlights at a distance of 500 feet when there are oncoming vehicles or when you are 300 feet behind a
vehicle that you are approaching from the rear.
Construction Zones
You must be extra cautious and alert when driving through construction zones. Reduce your speed; look
out for construction workers, flaggers and guide signs. These men and women are working under
dangerous conditions. They do not have the protection of their cars as you do. Be considerate and
cautious. If you are convicted of an offense against highway workers, you could be fined up to $2000
and/or a jail term of up to one year. All other citations received in construction zones are doubled.
Traffic Congestion
Rubbernecking
If you do drive past a crash don't slow down just to stare at it. This creates traffic and could even cause
another collision. Of course you should slow down if you need to get past safely, or for a merging vehicle.
Tailgating
Tailgaters think that by driving right behind the car in front of them that they will miraculously get where
they are going faster. All this does is annoy the driver in front and create a dangerous situation for both
drivers. Always follow the three-second rule and avoid tailgating.
Weaving
Unnecessary lane changes, especially on the freeway, will not get you to your destination any faster. They
simply cause a commotion, forcing other drivers to slow down and move over to avoid you.
Distractions
Eating, grooming, talking on the phone or even dealing with your children or pets can all force you to slow
down unnecessarily or make bad decisions when driving.
Poorly-maintained vehicles
Make sure your vehicle is properly cared for. You don't want to be the driver whose car has stalled or who
has run out of gas. Proper maintenance ensures your safety and well-paced traffic flow.
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Driving in Different Weather Conditions
The most unpredictable part about driving is the weather. When possible, avoid driving in bad weather. In
most cases, you are unable to see properly. The risk you will be taking to drive in bad weather is just not
worth it. If you must drive, however, be prepared to adjust your driving to better deal with different weather
conditions.
Rain
Wet roads are slippery roads! This is especially true when it first starts to rain because the oil and dust on
the road have not washed away yet. Slow down when it first starts to sprinkle or drizzle.
Continue to drive slowly once the rain gets heavier so you can avoid hydroplaning and the problem of
decreasing visibility. Slowing down will increase your ability to see and give you precious time to react
effectively to a possible problem. The heavier a rainstorm, the more difficult it is to see and be seen. Keep
your headlights on and make sure your windshield wipers are working properly. If the humidity is making
your windows foggy, keep defrosting them. When you can't see farther than 100 feet ahead, you should not
be driving faster than 30 mph - keep this in mind the next time you are on the freeway in a storm.
Since it takes longer to stop and slowdown in the rain the only way you can ensure that you will be able to
stop safely is if you are driving slowly. Make sure you follow the three-second plus rule to leave a
generous space in front. What if there is a problem up ahead and you have to stop suddenly? If you are
following the car in front of you too closely you might not be able to avoid a collision, so maintain a safe
distance of least four seconds.
Snow and Icy Roads

If you will be driving in a snowstorm, you'll be facing many of the same challenges as driving in the rain
except more so. Icy, snowy roads can be much more dangerous than wet ones, and the only way to get
through all the snow is with snow tires or chains. Make sure the chains fit your tires and that you know how
to put them on before you get on the road.
Falling snow can be blinding. If the snow is too much for your windshield wipers to handle, pull over and
clear up your windshields. It's hard enough to drive in a snowstorm. Don't make it more difficult and
dangerous by allowing the snow to accumulate.
Fog
Heavy fog can make it impossible to see. You might be able to see only a few feet or so ahead of you! If at
all possible, avoid driving in fog. If you must drive, slow down! It will be easier to spot other vehicles and to
stop if you are driving slowly. Add a few more seconds to the three-second-plus rule. Use your low beams
or fog lights to see and be seen. If the fog gets even thicker as you drive and you really can't see, don't
continue driving. Pull off the road until the condition improves. Turn off any headlights or brake lights. Cars
behind you might think you are still driving and follow your lights leading them off the road and rear-ending
you.
116
Sandstorms and Dust Storms
Dust storms can catch you off guard. Much like other difficult weather conditions, these storms can
decrease visibility severely. If you find yourself stuck in a dust storm, the best thing to do is to pull off the
road and wait for the storm to pass.
TEST YOURSELF
1. Wet roads are ______.
END OF SECTION 4
END OF COURSE
117

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CALIFORNIA

Traffic Violators School

English Workbook Course Rev. 11/14/2018

Copyright © 2012 All Rights Reserved.

CHAPTER 2: PURPOSE OF TRAFFIC LAWS

CHAPTER 3: THE PRICE YOU PAY FOR CARELESS DRIVING

CHAPTER 4: RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A PEDESTRIAN

CHAPTER 6: DRIVING MANEUVERS

CHAPTER 8: COLLISION AVOIDANCE

CHAPTER 9: ROAD RAGE AND AGGRESSIVE DRIVING

CHAPTER 11: THE VEHICLE

CHAPTER 12: THE ROAD

Reduce Traffic Law Violations

Test Yourself Questions

The Review Quizzes

Personal Validation Questions

The Final Exam

California Department of Motor Vehicles Legal Notice and Disclaimer

Chapter 2: Purpose of Traffic Laws

RECENT CHANGES IN THE LAW AND THE REASONING BEHIND THEM

EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2018

Motorcycle Training Courses

Buses and Seatbelts

Don't Try to Multitask

New Laws and Technology

Changes to Driving Techniques

Seat Belt Pretensioners

1. As vehicle technologies advance ______?

2. What is a seat belt pretensioner?

REASONS FOR TRAFFIC LAWS

Keeping Order and Movement in Traffic

1. Why do traffic laws exist?

2. The reason we have traffic laws is ______.

Chapter 3: The Price You Pay for Careless Driving

Minor Damage to Your Car

Major Damage to Your Car

PEOPLE CAN BE INJURED OR KILLED

HOW YOUR AUTO INSURANCE IS AFFECTED

How Insurance Works

1. What is the average cost for a severe injury in a collision?

2. How does minimum insurance work?

FINANCIAL, LEGAL AND DMV PROBLEMS

WHAT CAUSES COLLISIONS?

Alcohol and Drugs

Move Over/Slow Down (VC 21809, 25253)

THE DMV POINT SYSTEM

Negligent Operator Treatment System

 Four (4) points in one year.

DUI CHANGES LIVES FOREVER

Your Emotional Health

DUI Will Take Away Your Freedom

The Victims and their Families

Chemical Testing for DUI (VC 23612)

 Both blood and breath tests are unavailable.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Repeat Offenders (VC 23597)

Ignition Interlock Devices (IID) Pilot Program

1. How much does a DUI cost over ten years?

2. What is the purpose of the DMV point system?

Chapter 4: Rights and Responsibilities of a Pedestrian

CROSS AT INTERSECTIONS AND CROSSWALKS

1. A pedestrian with a white cane ______.

2. For safety reasons anytime there are no sidewalks it is best to ______.

3. What can a pedestrian do if there is no sidewalk?